• Search Please fill out this field.
  • Newsletters

The 15 Best Destinations in the U.S. to Explore by Bike

Pedaling around is a truly enchanting way to immerse yourself in a new place

travel bike places

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty

We’re dedicating  our May features  to the outdoors and adventure. In 2020, we saw more people get outside, eager for a breath of fresh air after challenging spring,  taking up new activities  and  blazing new trails . Now, in 2021, read our features to learn more about  15 outdoor skills you should master ,  the best state parks across the country , a new trend of  hotels opening near formerly remote national parks , and  one person’s quest to make outdoor experiences accessible for all .

Is there a more fun and liberating feeling than going for a ride on a bike? Whether you're just cruising around the block, commuting to the office, or looking for a serious workout, a good bike can be an absolute joy to ride. Add in the fact that cycling is good for both your health and the planet , and it's no wonder that so many people have flocked to the sport in recent years .

In recent years, bikes have become increasingly popular amongst travelers, often serving as a cheap, dependable, and exhilarating form of transportation. Slow enough to casually take in the sights, yet fast enough to cover plenty of ground, a bike is a great way to wander through a new location. Quick, nimble, and versatile, once you've discovered the joys of traveling by bike, it's hard to go back to anything else.

Trust us, pedaling your way around a new place is a truly enchanting way to immerse yourself in a location. But some places are even more well suited and accommodating to cyclists than others. With that in mind, these are our picks for the very best destinations in the U.S. to explore by bike.

Boulder, Colorado

John Kieffer /Getty

Let's just go ahead and get this one out of the way early. No list of great U.S. biking destinations would be complete without at least mentioning Boulder . The city is a destination for road and mountain bikers alike, luring top pro and amateur riders with its laidback atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and access to literally thousands of documented rides . Mountain bikers will love the more than 300 miles of trail that are accessible right from town. But roadies will find seemingly endless miles of pavement to ride as well. Whether you're on dirt or asphalt, the Colorado landscapes are fantastic, of course. Just remember to take it slow for the first few days. Located at 5,400 feet in altitude, Boulder's thin air can make even an easy ride seem surprisingly hard.

Asheville, North Carolina

ExploreAsheville.com

Asheville has plenty to offer visitors, including a vibrant art and music scene, excellent pubs and restaurants, and excellent hiking. It also happens to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with respectful drivers, plenty of bike lanes, and easy navigation. But what truly makes it a special destination for riders is the combination of great mountain biking in nearby Pisgah National Forest and the outstanding road riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway . In fact, the parkway just might be the most scenic ride east of the Mississippi. If you do visit Asheville, be prepared for a lot of climbs. There are few flat roads or trails to be found anywhere close to the city, but you can soothe your tired legs afterward with a stop at any one of the great breweries found in Asheville. We're rather partial to Burial Beer Co.

Manhattan, New York

Cavan Images /Getty

For an amazing urban cycling experience in the heart of America's biggest city, give Manhattan a try. Sure, you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for traffic at all times when on the city streets, but jump on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , and you'll discover an entirely new perspective on New York City . This 31-mile long loop trail takes riders along the East Side, through The Battery, into East Harlem, 83rd Street, and even into Midtown. Hop on and off the greenway at various points to find food, drinks, and a variety of other amenities. Aside from a few short sections, riders are completely isolated from motor vehicles, making this a surprisingly relaxed ride and a truly unique way to explore NYC.

Seattle, Washington

400tmax /Getty

Seattle has gone to great lengths to build some of the best and most well-protected bike lanes in the U.S. This has made it one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the country, with locals and visitors taking advantage of the continually-expanding infrastructure. A series of interconnected greenways and neighborhood routes provides nearly 60 miles of safe, secluded, and easily accessible routes to ride. Those routes take riders to just about any part of the city, but the Green Lake neighborhood trail is especially well connected. It's also quite scenic too, hugging the shores of a beautiful lake for 2.5 miles. From there, cyclists can make their way to any number of Seattle hot spots, including the trendy downtown area or stick to more serene suburban neighborhoods.

San Francisco, California

© All rights reserved Pedro Gerardo Photography /Getty

What a difference a decade can make. In 2010, there were very few bike lanes to be found anywhere in San Francisco , making two-wheeled travel difficult to recommend. Today, however, the city has committed itself to being much more bike-friendly, which has made some of its more interesting and popular neighborhoods far more accessible. The ever-expanding network of bike-only lanes can take you to some surprising places, and as you would expect, there are some spectacular rides to be had, even in such a busy urban setting. One of the top destinations is the Presidio , which features a biking route that runs along the bay and even under the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're looking to venture out a little further, give the Paradise Loop a go. This 38-mile cycling route provides some of the city's best views from across the water, making it a must-do ride for serious explorers.

Whit Richardson /Getty

While there certainly are plenty of roads to ride in and around Moab , the real draw for this town in eastern Utah is the outstanding mountain biking. Located not far from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab is home to some of the absolute best mountain biking on the planet. There are literally dozens of trails accessible straight from town, with hundreds more a short drive into the wilderness. Slickrock is easily the most famous of those trails, but it is best left to expert riders. For something a bit more casual, scenic, and fun, give Gemini Bridges Trail a go. It features some of the most dramatic backdrops in the entire area. After that, take a ride on the Whole Enchilada, which has become something of a right of passage for avid mountain bikers the world over. And later, when you head back to town, refuel at the Desert Bistro or Moab Brewery .

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kirkikis /Getty

Preserving and maintaining green spaces has always been a priority in Minneapolis . As a result, the city has miles and miles of excellent trails weaving throughout its urban environment. Those trails have made it a great place for bike commuters, even during the notoriously cold winters. Those same routes also happen to be highly accessible and easy to navigate for visitors, making exploring the area by bike a true joy. For a taste of what Minneapolis has to offer, ride the Chain of Lakes trail, a 15-mile route that more than lives up to its name as it winds its way past a few of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. The Midtown Greenway is also a good choice for accessing various parts of the city. It features lanes for both bikers and runners; it is well-lit even at night and even gets plowed in the winter. How's that for midwestern hospitality?

Portland, Oregon

Jordan Siemens/Getty

Much like Boulder, Portland is always a perennial contender for the title of best cycling destination in the U.S. Riding bikes is such a part of the culture there that Portland actually boasts the most cyclists per capita of any American city. The bike trails are so well integrated into the city that there really isn't any part of town that isn't accessible. Some of the top rides include several scenic routes that lead to Kelly Point Park—a secluded destination in the heart of the city—and an unbelievably beautiful path through the Tryon Creek State Natural Area that leaves little doubt as to exactly why Oregon is such a popular place to live and visit. Best of all, when exploring Portland by bike, you can begin your day with a caffeinated beverage from one of the many coffee shops and end it by sampling cold drinks at a local brewery.

Madison, Wisconsin

csfotoimages /Getty

Madison is another city that has put a lot of thought and effort into its biking infrastructure. Not only does it feature plenty of bike-only lanes and trails, it even has signs indicating the distance and direction to some of the top destinations. This makes it an easy place to get around, even for visitors. Madison's vibrant downtown area is extremely accessible, with bike-share options aplenty. That includes access to e-bikes that make zipping around the city surprisingly easy and entertaining. Those looking to stretch their legs on a longer road ride—with some beautiful scenery thrown in for good measure—should have the UW-Madison Arboretum Trail a go. The tree-lined route is accessible through many different access points and provides a semi-secluded path that feels more rural than urban.

Tucson, Arizona

ZippyWhizbang /Getty

With more than 700 miles of bike trail integrated throughout the city, not to mention excellent weather all year round, Tucson is a dream come true for many cyclists. Its 55-mile Loop trail literally puts the entire city within reach by bike, passing through parks and urban settings and connecting with other bike and bus routes. You'll find restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, theaters, hotels, and plenty of other establishments along the Loop, which continues to evolve and grow on an annual basis. And when you're ready to leave the city behind, the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains offer excellent trail riding too.

Greenville, South Carolina

Jon Lovette /Getty

Dubbed "Bike Town," Greenville is another city that has wholeheartedly embraced cycling culture. Not only has it built plenty of protected bike lanes to keep riders safe while sharing the road with motorists, it has also created a special trail that offers access to a wide variety of local attractions. The colorfully-named Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail runs for 22-miles in both urban and green settings. The route meanders past local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and a hot of other places, providing a convenient and relaxing way to explore Greenville by bike. And if you're looking for a place to stay while in the area, add the Hotel Domestique to your list. Owned by former pro cycling legend George Hincapie , the man himself can provide plenty of intel on where to ride in the area.

Austin, Texas

Nicolas McComber/Getty

With plenty of warm, sunny weather all year long, Austin is an ideal spot for cyclists. The city is well known for its legendary group rides, which are plentiful and easy to find daily. Visitors will especially enjoy riding through Austin's many unique neighborhoods, including the South Congress area. Known as "SoCo" amongst the locals, this eclectic part of an already eclectic city has great food, a wonderful art scene, and some of the most unusual shops that you'll ever see. If you're looking for long road rides or want to get off the pavement and onto some dirt, Austin has you covered there too. A short distance out of town, you'll discover the Texas Hill Country , with miles and miles of undulating hills to test your legs. After a long day of riding, head back to town to fill up on some Rudy's BBQ or Torchy's Tacos , a couple of local favorites that never disappoint.

Washington, D.C.

Pgiam /Getty

Well known for its frequent traffic snarls, Washington, D.C., isn't necessarily the first place that comes to mind when ranking cycling-friendly destination. But if you want to ditch the car and explore the National Mall and all of the other top DC monuments on two wheels, Capital Bikesharer has you covered. Walking through this sprawling historic region can take a lot of time and energy. But on a bike, it is much more fun and manageable. If you're a serious cyclist looking for a bigger challenge, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail is also an option. The 185-mile route runs from Washington to Cumberland, Maryland, with some amazing scenery to soak in along the way.

Bend, Oregon

Thanks to its bike-friendly roads and ease of navigation, road cyclists will find plenty to like on a visit to Bend. But the real draw to the Oregon town is the epic mountain biking, much of which is directly accessible directly from town. With nearly 500 miles of single track less than an hour's drive away, Bend has trails for just about every kind of rider. That includes fast and wild downhill, leg-punishing climbs, or gentle and easy rides through spectacular environments. Favorite routes include Peterson Ridge Loop, a 20-mile cross-country ride across mixed terrain, and Tiddlywinks—a fast, fun-filled course with plenty of technical obstacles. And when you're done burning lots of calories on the trail, head back to town to sample some of the local fare. Standouts include Bangers & Brews and Jackson's Corner .

Louisville, Kentucky

benedek /Getty

An up-and-coming cycling destination in the south, Louisville is quickly becoming a new hot spot for riders. That's because the city has invested in plenty of new infrastructure, including the Louisville Loop , which, when completed, will consist of 100 miles of trail linking just about every corner of the city. Road cyclists will find seemingly endless miles of country backroads to explore just outside of town, extending across the lower Ohio Valley. Traffic is usually light, the roads are smooth and easy to follow, and there is plenty of natural beauty to take in, particularly in the fall. For a unique dining experience while in the area, head over to The Rudyard Kipling for music, food, and conversation. Or visit Biscuit Belly for some amazing twists on southern cuisine.

Related Articles

More related articles.

travel bike places

  • Travel Tips

The 11 Best Bike Touring Destinations In The World (According To Long-Distance Travellers)

' src=

I recently posted an infographic outlining the favourite bike touring destinations of over 50 long distance bicycle travellers. Many of the people surveyed are extremely well-travelled, having crossed continents and experienced dozens of countries by bike. In total, 159 destinations around the world were recommended (view the infographic  HERE ).

When I tallied up all of the information, I found that 66 different countries and regions were represented. Nearly a quarter of all people mentioned the most popular country in this list! Can you guess where it is?

I thought it would be a good idea to run a countdown with the top-11 countries, and find out the reasons  why these destinations are so popular for bicycle touring. My hope is that this resource will help you determine where to ride next! 😊

The 11 Best Bicycle Touring Destinations In The World

India is a place with a unique character. You can start by immersing yourself in the colours, smells and excitement for life that Indian cities are renowned for. The rough roads in the breathtaking mountainous regions are popular amongst bike travellers – discover quiet roads, hill tribes, clifftop monasteries and Buddhist/Hindu cultures. For a real challenge, ride at 5359m on the highest ‘motorable’ road in the world.

Where in India*? North East (Nagaland), North West (Shimla, Ladakh, Leh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Zanskar)

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, Norway, China, France.

The French cycling culture is ripe for discovery. With amazing mountain roads, spectacular landscapes, small preserved villages, world-class food and great cycling infrastructure – bike touring in France is a real delight. For cycling fans, a highlight is timing your trip to watch a handful of Tour de France stages. It’s hard to find the same crowd energy and excitement anywhere else!

Where in France*? Alps, Luberon Valley, Cannes, Lyon.

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, Norway, China, India.

The middle and western regions of China tend to be very polarising, but perhaps this part of the world is just a little misunderstood. The culture in China is unique and foreign to even the well-travelled, but should you take your trip by the horns and accept the potential adversity (yep, it’ll be a challenge), you’ll discover some wildly curious people who live in a country that operates very differently to your own. On your bike and you’ll find the views near Tibet to be otherworldly and the mountain roads around Sichuan to be simply breathtaking. Turquoise lakes and prayer flags will constantly add splashes of colour to the vistas. Are you up to it?

Where in China*? Western China, Tibetan Plateau (G219), Sichuan Province.

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, Norway, France, India.

Norway has achieved bike touring notoriety through its pristine mountainous environment and smooth winding roads. You can camp anywhere, discover wild animals and food (berries) everywhere and challenge yourself on the testing terrain. With the perpetual daylight of summer, having to stop every day is probably the hardest bit!

Where in Norway*? Trondheim, Narvic, Mo i Rana.

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, China, France, India.

Turkey is a dream destination that offers the complete package. The warm and welcoming Turkish people offer extreme kindness to bike travellers as they invite you over to share çai (tea), food and maybe even a place to stay. In addition, Turkey has a rich history, interesting culture, amazing food and a great climate for bike travel. The Turkish landscapes are diverse too – you’ll find authentic towns and villages to stay almost everywhere.

Where in Turkey*? Istanbul, Izmir, Cappadocia, Iran Border, North East, Anatolia.

*Equal with Australia, Norway, China, France, India.

6. Australia

Australia is where you go to find solitude. The burning red centre offers never-ending dirt tracks, open horizons and a warm climate. Along the coastal areas, you’ll find a variety of landscapes including alpine regions with snow, never-ending beaches, coral reefs and lush rainforests. There are lots of little historic towns along the way, and if you walk into any of the pubs you’ll discover the unique Australians that frequent them!

Where in Australia*? The Great Dividing Range, Buntine Highway, the Outback.

*Equal with Turkey, Norway, China, France, India.

5. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan looks like a Windows desktop image. You’ll be camping in some of the most picturesque parts of the world next to the grassy hills and mountain peaks of the western Himalayas. Locals will welcome you into their yurts to experience the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people. Make sure to get off the main roads to enjoy some adventures in the more remote, less-travelled parts of the country.

Where in Kyrgyzstan*? Central region, Tosor Pass, Torkent to Kochkor.

*Equal with Tajikistan.

4. Tajikistan

Tajikistan and the Pamir Highway, in particular, are a bike touring favourite. Although a superhighway of bike tourers in the summer months, the route is still rough and testing of you and your equipment. Ride along rollercoaster sections of road, past rusting tanks and crumbling watchtowers, next to turquoise lakes and parallel to unexplored mountains.

Where in Tajikistan*? Pamir Mountains, Wakhan Corridor.

*Equal with Kyrgyzstan.

3. Argentina

Bicycle touring Argentina

Argentina offers a truly unique high altitude landscape. The harsh environment combined with the low traffic volumes and perfect gravel roads results in the overwhelming feeling of isolation. Argentina is wild camping galore and you’ll find mountain passes for days along the Chilean border!

Where in Argentina? San Pedro de Atacama to Cachi, Patagonia, Paso de Agua Negra, Paso de San Francisco, North West.

2. United States of America

The USA is an incredibly rich network of stunning landscapes. The environment is everything from rock formations to vast desert expanses to redwood forests. There are enough low-traffic roads to keep to yourself, or alternatively, you can pick popular bike routes such as the Pacific Coast to bump into like-minded bike tourers. The climate is always mild somewhere in the USA and you’ll find lots of infrastructure (eg. campsites and food stores) for bike travellers.

Where in the USA? The Great Divide, Mojave Desert, Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, Pacific Coast, Mississippi River Trail, Dalton Highway (Northern Alaska), Redwoods, Vermont.

Bicycle Touring Patagonia

This is a place where nature rules. Chile will throw wild weather at you as you ride along quiet gravel roads, through forests, past giant lakes, across mountain passes, through desert landscapes and next to snowy mountain ranges. But that doesn’t matter because Chile is wild camping nirvana in unbelievable scenery and it’s isolation at its best. Visit Chile and you’ll never feel more alive.

Where in Chile? Patagonia, Lake District, Sico Pass, Carretera Austral, Puna de Atacama.

Check Out The 159 Best Bike Touring Destinations Infographic HERE

Related posts.

  • Bicycle Touring Infographic: 121 Cyclists + their Bikes, Trips and Websites
  • Bicycle Touring Infographic: The 159 Best Bike Touring Destinations In The World
  • Touring Bike Knowledge From 327 People Who’ve Done 8.1 Million Kilometres?
  • Analysing The Key Stats From 191 Bikepacking Bikes: Drivetrains, Weights, Frame Materials
  • infographic

' src=

15 comments

Poland, greenvelo.pl ?

Hi Alee, the link beneath the Argentina photo should be: http://www.bicycle-junkies.com maybe you can correct this? Thanks!

Amended! I love that photo so much! (And I’m a little jealous that you’ve been to Argentina and I haven’t. 😉 )

Yeah, I love the photo too.. brings back some great memories (and a lot of very windy ones in this part of Argentina! 😉 ) You should go, it’s beautiful!

Not to be pedantic but…there are no pine forests in Chile. In fact, there are no pine forests south of Honduras, which is the southern limit of the range of the genus Pinus. There are pine plantations in Chile, but those are non-natives such as Monterey pine (a narrow endemic in California) that have replaced native forests. There are some native conifers in Chile, and Chileans may refer to all conifers as “pinos,” but those rarely dense forests. The most notable are the stands of alerce (“false larch”), found in Argentina and Chile, which in some ways resemble the California redwoods; and the Araucarias (“monkey-puzzle trees”), also found in both countries.

And where is Canada?! 😉

Hola Alee, gracias por poner a Chile en 1º lugar, de hecho soy Chileno, soy un ciclista novato y me estoy armando una bicicleta para “touring”, yo vivo en Puerto Montt, Region de los Lagos, y recomiendo la carretera Austral, que tiene su origen en mi ciudad, mi sueño es recorrerla al igual que la ruta 40 en Argentina, tambien es interesante la ruta hacia la region de los Lagos (“Lake District”) y los Rios (desde Puerto Varas a Valdivia hay paisajes espectaculares pero por las carreteras mas pequeñas, no pavimentadas que unen los Lagos , hay enormes formaciones volcanicas, rios abundante agua y bosques de Alerces y Araucarias. En fin , te felicito por tu pagina , siempre estoy consultando los detalles tecnicos para poder armarme una bicicleta de cicloturismo (“touring bike”) gracias por todo y saludos desde el fin del mundo.

p.d : Tambien es recomendable par los mas extremos el paso villa O higgins- El chalten (Chile- Agentina, zona sur de la carretera austral) y Tierra del fuego (Chile – Argentina , Cordillera de Darwin , Ushuaia, Yende Gaia Puerto Williams, Wulaia)

p.d. 2: soy muy malo para escribir en ingles asi que escribi en español , por favor aplique traductor de Google para leer en ingles con mas comodidad

un abrazo y saludos!! Carlos

Well, be careful, riding a bike in Chile you have many possibilities to have a big accident, cars and drivers don’t respect at all cyclist

Hi Alee, we referenced this blog post in our recent post: Patagonia: Everything you Need to Know.

http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2016/10/cycling-patagonia-everything-you-need-to-know/

I have been in 102 countries cycling since 2001. Even I am part of the Infographic as Alvaro Neil, the biciclown, the final list of Top destinations for World touring cannot be more inexact. Just saying USA great nat parks but you pay for that instead Mongolia, big wild free camping. Cuba is also a cycling paradise despite the fact you cannot do free camping. And Africa? the hospitality continent should be there somehow. And Norway? Well have a look what happend to me in Norway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw_zqi0XudI&t=19s Regards

Dear Alvaro Neil, “The Biciclown” Being a Norwegian myself, I was deeply ashamed when I saw the way you were treated in Norway. I can assure you that this woman’s behavior is not typical in this country. Please give me a line if you are ever in the Oslo area, and I will be pleased to offer you a beer and let you camp in our garden (or in our house if you prefer). Jorn

I’m glad to see my country, the United States,on here. But I’m going to be honest with you, as much as I love it, there are large chunks of it that are not great for cycling.

Chile!!!!! Es muy bello. 100% recomendable.

Comments are closed.

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Time Out Market
  • Coca-Cola Foodmarks
  • Los Angeles

Trail 401

The best bike trails in the U.S.

Get ready for a gorgeous, exhilarating ride along the best bike trails in the U.S.

Anna Rahmanan

Out of all forms of transportation, biking is arguably the healthiest. Not only can it take you further than walking or running, but it's also gentler on the body while providing the same cardio benefits. Aside from the fitness aspect, biking comes with a lot of other perks: the ability to get outside and enjoy nature, a sense of freedom, and, often, a community of fellow cyclists always game for a group ride.

While many U.S. cities are trying to become more bike-friendly, there's still a long way to go to make the roads enjoyable and safer for riders—especially compared to European cities. While American urban centers need some work, one thing America is good at is bike trails. Across the country, countless gorgeous trails weave through charming towns and picturesque landscapes—and we have rounded up some of the more serene.

From Big Sur  to  Miami , the best bike trails in the U.S. are fit for riders ranging from novice to professional, providing serious payoff in stunning views. And if you're looking for more outdoor action, check out the best  extreme outdoor adventures in the country.   

RECOMMENDED:  The best hiking trails in the U.S .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best bike trails in the U.S.

1.  highway one | big sur, ca.

Highway One | Big Sur, CA

Experience level:  Advanced and serious riders, including professionals

Hit Highway One on two wheels to take in the best views of California’s Pacific coastline. Best fit for advanced and serious riders—including professionals—map out a route between Carmel and Cambria that suits your skill level and sightseeing goals—Ragged Point and Hearst Castle are prime water-break spots—and cruise along the cliffside road, with the surf crashing below. Beginners be warned: You’ll be cozied up to car traffic on a few narrow shoulders.  

2.  Canyonlands National Park | UT

Canyonlands National Park | UT

Experience level:  Intermediate to experienced riders

If you're into the great outdoors, you'll already know that Utah's undeniable contribution to All Things America is its stunning and sprawling networks of caves, rock formations, rivers and trails. Like all entries on this list, however, not every footpath in a national park is for biking on, so be sure to check before your bike tires hit the trail. Many of the trails are best suited for intermediate to experienced riders. Incidentally, Bluejohn Canyon is where Aron Ralston became trapped and was the subject of the movie 127 Hours , so you know, be sure to pack a penknife. 

3.  Flume Trail | Lake Tahoe, NV

Flume Trail | Lake Tahoe, NV

Experience level:  Moderate

A fear of heights won't fly on this trail perched 1,600ft above the blue waters of Lake Tahoe , but the incredible views are worth the jitters. Considered moderately difficult to expert level, riders set off from Spooner Lake State Park and break a sweat climbing the smooth canyon road up to Marlette Lake. The Flume Trail is the reward at the top: 4.5 miles of singletrack, providing breathtaking views of Sand Harbor and mountains.

4.  Great Allegheny Passage | PN and MD

Great Allegheny Passage | PN and MD

Experience level: Easy, suitable for all levels

Spanning 150 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Great Allegheny Passage  is a bucket list ride for many avid cyclists. It's also a smooth and relatively easy ride, considered suited for all levels, including novice cyclists. This trail—which crosses both the Mason-Dixon Line and the Eastern Continental Divide—passes flowing rivers,  waterfalls, gorges, farmland, and a myriad of charming trail towns that offer welcoming places to stop and rest.  

5.  Shark Valley Trail | Miami, FL

Shark Valley Trail | Miami, FL

Experience level:  Easy, suitable for all levels

Skip the tram ride and embark on your own journey through Everglades National Park on two wheels. The well-kept, paved trail is suited for all levels and covers a 15-mile loop through the Shark Valley section of the park, where you're sure to experience up-close encounters with gators, wading birds, turtles and other wildlife. A 45-foot-high observation deck marks the halfway point, where riders can take a break to enjoy the quiet beauty of the wetlands and grassy prairies.

6.  Hiline Trail | Sedona, AZ

Hiline Trail | Sedona, AZ

Experience level:  Expert

Explore the stunning desert scenery, starting with an uphill pedal along Slim Shady Trail . The narrow, expert-level exposed Hilline Trail runs 3.1 miles from the top of the mesa along the edge of the red rocks, giving technical riders plenty of chances to ogle at incredible majestic buttes and monoliths. Be prepared for slickrock portions and some sharply descending chutes before capping the ride at Baldwin Loop.

7.  Trail 401 | Crested Butte, CO

Trail 401 | Crested Butte, CO

Experience level:  Intermediate to expert level

A lung-burning, five-mile climb up to Schofield Pass can be a rough welcome for novice riders, but once you’ve trekked through dense trees to the trail's high point (at a whopping 11,35ft), the singletrack opens up, revealing killer 360-degree views of the rugged Elk Mountains. Best for intermediate to expert cyclists, the 13.6-mile route’s fast alpine descent through fields of wildflowers will have cyclists feeling serious Sound of Music vibes.

8.  Forbidden Fruit | Sun Valley, ID

Forbidden Fruit | Sun Valley, ID

Experience level:  Suitable for expert cyclists

Experienced mountain bikers who crave rollercoaster-like descents are drawn to this unique flow trail west of Adam’s Gulch. The route is loaded with jumps, dips and berms to keep riders in constant movement down the 1.3-mile course. Brakes and pedals hardly need to be used as bikers run laps on the wild ride, adding to the feeling that they're moving on adrenaline alone. 

9.  Copper Harbor Trails | Keweenaw Peninsula, MI

Copper Harbor Trails | Keweenaw Peninsula, MI

Experience level:  Suitable for skilled, intermediate riders

Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is a magnet for active travelers and a real hidden gem for avid mountain bikers. Thirty miles of twisty singletrack trails outfitted with cedar-planked bridges and boardwalks let intermediate riders zip through white pine woods and climb up to 1,300ft in elevation, where they’re rewarded with views of Lake Superior stretching to the horizon. Most of the trails are considered intermediate territory. 

10.  Laurel Mountain Ride | Brevard, NC

Laurel Mountain Ride | Brevard, NC

Experience level:  Best for experts

Mountain bikers with a need for speed can shoot through laurel thickets on this steep route starting on the Laurel Mountain trail . Get your heart pumping climbing up Black Mountain, and then follow a connector to the Pilot Cove trail. The expert-level Pilot Rock descent sends brave riders flying down 1,600 feet of rocky and remote terrain, with glimpses of Bradley Creek.

11.  Going-to-the-Sun Road | Whitefish, MT

Going-to-the-Sun Road | Whitefish, MT

Experience level:  For experienced cyclists 

This 32-mile route through Glacier National Park is a bucket-list item for serious cyclists, unmatched for its Tour de France-caliber climbs and natural beauty. From spring through early fall, riders climb almost 3,30ft from the Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass, whizzing past the cascading Weeping Wall waterfall, pristine Lake McDonald and snow-capped Heaven's Peak.

12.  McKenzie River Trail | Bend, OR

McKenzie River Trail | Bend, OR

Experience level:  Intermediate 

Beautiful deep forest, moss and ferns give riders a serious dose of greenery along this woodsy route in the Cascade Mountains. Spend the day tackling the 25.4-mile, mostly downhill trail and traversing log bridges along the chilly McKenzie River. Suited for intermediate levels, the trail system lets riders choose their own adventure and feel the mist coming off Sahalie Falls.

13.  Maah Daah Hey Trail | Medora, ND

Maah Daah Hey Trail | Medora, ND

Experience level:  Experienced riders

If the midwest brings flat farmland to mind, this beloved trail system in the Badlands of North Dakota will certainly surprise you. Considered fit for intermediate to experienced riders, you can reach an elevation of 2,700 feet on the namesake route that runs 97 miles across high ridges, steep buttes and rolling prairies. Keep an eye out for antelope, prairie dogs and coyotes on the trail that takes you across the Little Missouri River and up to Devil’s Pass, where a stellar 360-degree lookout awaits.    

14.  Olympic Discovery Trail | WA

Olympic Discovery Trail | WA

Experience level:  Suitable for all levels

Looking to witness the beauty of the PNW by bike? The Olympic Discovery Trail won't disappoint. Running from the seaside towns of Port Townsend to La Push, this 130-mile trail takes you through farmland, charming villages, and shoreline as you take in the snowcapped Olympic Mountains in the distance. 

15.  Captain Ahab Trail | Moab, UT

Captain Ahab Trail | Moab, UT

Experience level:  Intended for experts

This 4.3-mile, expert-level  dusty canyon trail is the stuff of Jeep commercials, with rust-colored canyons and blue sky as the stunning backdrop for advanced bikers. Captain Ahab branches off the popular Amasa Back trail , challenging its contenders with technical slickrock portions and big climbs along the Colorado River that open up into flowing, flatter sections.

16.  Swamp Rabbit Trail | Greenville, SC

Swamp Rabbit Trail | Greenville, SC

A top-notch bike trail is a welcome perk in most towns, but this one is truly the hub of its community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Generally considered an easy trail, it runs nearly 20 miles along the Reedy River on an old railroad bed, the paved Swamp Rabbit Trail  brought the once-sleepy area to life and continues to draw cyclists of all ages and skill levels to the stretch between Greenville and Travelers Rest.

17.  Virginia Creeper Trail | Damascus, VA

Virginia Creeper Trail | Damascus, VA

Cyclists looking to tackle a low-key course will dig this rambling rail trail connecting Abingdon and Damascus. The 34-mile stretch is suited for all experience levels, supposedly named for the way trains once crept up Whitetop Mountain because of its 3,600-foot elevation, but visitors can shuttle their bikes to the top and roll down the slope for a pleasant 17-mile leg past old railroad trestles and through serene wooded sections.

18.  Kingdom Trails | East Burke, VT

Kingdom Trails | East Burke, VT

Get introduced to all types of terrain on the Darling Hill Loop in the woodsy hills of Vermont. It will cost you $15 a head to access the private land, but the more than 150 miles of trails are open to kids, beginners and seasoned riders. Routes wind beneath the canopy of tall trees, across ladder bridges, and up a grassy incline to picturesque Heaven's Bench. 

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Copyright agent
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising

Time Out products

  • Time Out Worldwide
  • MAGAZINE OFFERS
  • BIKE INSURANCE
  • Best Products
  • Maintenance
  • Accessories
  • Long-Term Reviews
  • First Look Friday
  • Bike of the Week
  • Tech Features
  • Routes and Rides
  • Bike Galleries
  • BikeRadar Bargains
  • Buyer's Guides
  • Fitness & Training
  • Sizing & Fit
  • Mountain Biking UK
  • Cycling Plus
  • BikeRadar Podcast

Best cycling destinations in the US

America’s top 10 locations for cyclists

Jill Rosell

fred dreier in the us

travel bike places

It’s time to fire up the family wagon, tie down the bikes and hit the road for a cycling vacation. But where to go? BikeRadar conducted an informal survey of pro and amateur riders from various regions of the US to pick 10 of America’s best cycling destinations.

MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Marin is hardly a secret in the cycling world, and you’ve undoubtedly heard a buddy’s gushing account of the redwood-lined roads and trails that crisscross Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods National Monument and the Marin Headlands. Guess what? Your buddy is spot on, as Marin County offers up a never-ending supply of sublime loops and out-and-backs, just a short spin across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

From Mill Valley, the 2,600ft climb up Mt Tamalpais rewards riders with a twisting descent to Stinson Beach and Highway 1. The Bolinas Ridge trail from Olena to Fairfax takes off-road riders along tracks that helped give birth to the original mountain bike. And if you’re looking for a serious challenge? Start in San Rafael and tackle the Mount Tam Century’s 100-mile lollypop course.

What it offers

– The challenging but beautiful Mount Tamalpais climb.

– Highway 1’s route through Stinson Beach and Tomales Bay.

– Classic mountain bike trails in Fairfax and Bolinas.

Why it’s the best

Some of the country’s most scenic rides, just a short spin from San Francisco.

How to get there

Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north on Highway 101, across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Best bike shops

Fairfax Cyclery , 2020 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax, (415) 721-7644

Bici Sport , 143 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, (707) 775-4676

Tam Bikes , 357 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, (415) 389-1900

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

The south-east’s most revered cycling town, Asheville is home to a plethora of long, hilly road loops through the Blue Ridge mountains, as well as challenging mountain biking in nearby Pisgah National Forest.

“We have no flats anywhere – you’re always climbing or descending,” said Mike Smith, a lifelong Asheville resident and employee at Liberty Bicycles . The highest point east of the Mississippi, Mt Mitchell, is a 35-mile ride away on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville offers a wide range of dining and hospitality opportunities, too, but we recommend grabbing a cold one at the Wedge Brewing Company .

– Highest climb east of the Mississippi.

– Challenging mountain bike trails in Pisgah National Forest.

– The endless, wide roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For a combination of road and mountain biking, no place east of the Mississippi comes close.

Asheville has its own regional airport, or a two-hour drive east of Charlotte will get you to where you need to be.

BioWheels , 76 Biltmore Avenue, (828) 232-0300

Liberty Bicycles , 1378 Hendersonville Road, (828) 274-2453

Pro Bikes , 610 Haywood Road, Suite B, (828) 253-2800

Ride around Asheville and you should expect nothing but climbs and descents

TUCSON, ARIZONA

We don’t recommend Tucson in the summer, but the city is one of the country’s best cycling destinations from December through to March, when conditions are usually a steady 70 degrees and sunny. The winding Catalina Highway climb up the 9,100ft Mount Lemmon is one of the south-west’s most famous climbs.

Sandy mountain bike trail networks crisscross the nearby Rincon, Santa Rita, Catalina and Tucson mountain ranges. You’re bound to see a smattering of pro riders on the Saturday Shootout group ride, which meets at the Starbucks at University Blvd, just west of the University of Arizona campus. Watch out, though – the Shootout reaches top speed as soon as riders clear the city limit.

– Winter riding taking in some stunning roads and climbs.

– The Willow Springs, Starr Pass and Robles mountain bike trail networks, plus the La Milagrosa and Chiva Falls trails in the Rincon mountains.

When the rest of the country is buried by snow and rain, Tucson is high and dry.

Flights into Tucson International Airport are regular. Otherwise, it ’ s an eight-hour drive east of Los Angeles or a two-hour drive south of Phoenix.

Sabino Cycles , 7045 E Tanque Verde Road, (520) 885-3666

Fairwheel Bikes , 1110 East 6th Street, (520) 884-9018

Ordinary Bike Shop , 311 East 7th Street, (520) 622-6488

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Texas’s capital is heaven for group rides. Each day, between five and 20 organized road outings leave from various meeting spots around the city. Some, such as the Sunday RoadKill and Wednesday Hump Day Nooner , are conversation paced socials. Others, such as Saturday’s Tri-Cyclist , are traditional, fast-paced rides. The online calendar at Austin on Two Wheels is a helpful guide to the various events.

The riding around Austin ranges from flat and fast to hilly, with challenging climbs in the Balcones Canyonlands wildlife refuge north-west of town.

– Year-round road riding.

– Group rides every day of the week.

– Flat and hilly terrain.

If Austin is good enough for Lance Armstrong to train in, chances are it’s good enough for you.

Flights run daily to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Mellow Johnny’s , 400 Nueces Street, (512) 473-0222

Austin Tri-Cyclist , 923 Barton Springs Road, (512) 494-9252

Bicycle Sport Shop , 517 South Lamar Boulevard, (512) 477-3472

DURANGO, COLORADO

There’s a reason the world’s best mountain bike racers favoured Durango during the sport’s Nineties heyday. The extensive trail networks that crisscross the surrounding San Juan mountains start downtown. “It’s the only non-ski resort town I’ve been to where the trails are accessible right from town,” said pro mountain biker Todd Wells, who lives in Durango.

The 500-mile Colorado Trail connects Durango with Denver, and provides numerous alpine loops through pine forests. The Overend Mountain Park trails (yes, it’s named after local mountain bike hero Ned Overend) also start in town. And the Hermosa Creek, Kennebec Pass and Cascade Creek networks provide longer loops for more skilled and adventurous riders.

The town also has worthy road riding, including the 55-mile trek across the Coal Bank and Molas passes to Silverton. And when you’ve hung up the bike for the day, head to The Summit for a pint and burger.

– Mountain bike trails for all levels of riders, starting downtown.

– Road climbs of more than 12,000ft passes on the historic route to Silverton.

– An easy base for those who want to explore the Colorado Trail.

Ned Overend, John Tomac, Missy Giove and many other greats of American mountain biking cut their teeth on Durango’s trails.

Durango has a regional airport (Durango-La Plata County) with regular flights from Denver.

San Juan Cycles , 48 County Rd 250, (970) 259-6014

Mountain Bike Specialists , 949 Main Ave, (970) 247-4066

Durango Cyclery , 43 East 13th Street, (970) 247-0747

PEAK TO PEAK HIGHWAY, COLORADO

Colorado’s oldest official scenic byway, the 65-mile Peak to Peak Highway made our list because of the numerous road and mountain bike routes that spring from its pavement, as well as its soaring views of the Front Range.

Starting at Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the route winds south on Highway 7 beneath the 14,259ft Longs Peak and on to Black Hawk. It undulates between 7,500 and 10,000ft along the route. There are numerous bailout options along the route, with Golden Gate, Coal Creek, Boulder, Left Hand, Jamestown and South St Vrain canyons leading down to the flats.

Want a challenge? From Black Hawk, ride over to Idaho Springs and tackle the 23-mile climb up 14,265ft Mt Evans.

– 65 miles of long climbs and fast descents at the foot of Colorado’s Front Range.

– Golden Gate, Coal Creek, Boulder, Left Hand, Jamestown and St Vrain canyon descents.

– Mountain biking at the Eldora ski resort, just outside Nederland.

Lung-busting altitude just a short drive from Denver and Boulder.

Get to Denver, then drive for about an hour and a half, heading for Estes Park.

Estes Park Mountain Shop , 2050 Big Thompson Avenue, (970) 586-6548

Happy Trails Bicycle Shop, 98 Highway 119 SNederland,(303) 258-3435

BEND, OREGON

Forget about Oregon’s rainy reputation – Bend is kept high and dry on the Cascade range’s soaring volcanoes, which also supply numerous road climbs and mountain biking trails. Many cyclists liken Bend’s high, arid climate to that of Boulder, only without the competitive crowds of bike racers and triathletes.

Looking for a road ride? Check out the route for the Cascade Cycling Classic , the longest-running elite stage race in the US. And if you’re a mountain biker, the trails from Mount Bachelor to Bend provide 45 miles of challenging singletrack.

Don’t feel like exploring on your own? Contact the folks at Cog Wild , who provide guided tours and shuttle runs to the best trails in the region. Of course, no ride is complete without a stop at one of Bend’s many breweries. We recommend Deschutes or the Bend Brewing Company .

– Extensive opportunities for mountain, road and cyclocross fans.

– Year-round riding in a high but dry climate.

– Long climbs.

Just like Boulder, only without the crowds.

If you can get to Portland International Airport it’s a three-and-a-half hour drive on Highway 97.

Sagebrush Cycles , 35 SW Century Drive, (541) 389-4224

Hutch's Bicycles (541) 382-6248

The Cascade range ’s snowy peaks make a striking background in Bend, Oregon

LEHIGH VALLEY, PENNSYLVANIA

One of the north-east’s unofficial cycling capitals, the Lehigh Valley region of Allentown and Bethlehem offers an easy cycling getaway for riders from New York and Philadelphia. The region is dotted with challenging hills and covered in a network of small farming roads, many of which are used by the area’s Amish residents.

The Delaware river valley provides challenging terrain, especially around the towns of Jim Thorpe and Palmerton. The Lehigh velodrome has been holding regular track races since 1975, and is the reason a smattering of pro roadies and track cyclists still live and train in the area. And the Lehigh Wheelmen Association , which has been around since 1951, organizes group rides and races each week.

– Hilly riding on empty farm roads.

– Trexlertown’s Lehigh velodrome.

– Regular group rides and a robust cycling infrastructure.

Only an hour-and-a-half west of New York City and two hours north of Philly, it’s well within reach for a weekend getaway.

From New York, head west on Interstate 78 for 90 miles. From Philadelphia drive north on I-76 to I-476 for 75 miles.

Genesis Bicycles , 126 Bushkill St, Easton, (610) 253-1140

Bike Line , 1728 West Tilghman Street, Allentown, (610) 437-6100

Cutters Bike Shop , 418 East 3rd St, Bethlehem, (610) 419-4027

BURLINGTON, VERMONT

Burlington is up there, about 35 miles shy of the Canadian border, but the mountainous terrain and seclusion make it a paradise for cycling (once the snow has melted). The riding is punctuated by steep, short passes such as the App, Lincoln and Middlebury gaps. We recommend tackling the Smuggler’s Notch climb on Highway 108, which is part of a larger loop to Stowe ski area and back.

For off-road riding, check out the local Catamount ski area, which is the gateway to several great trail networks. Catamount also has a weekly Wednesday night mountain bike racing series. Pro cyclist Lea Davison, who grew up in nearby Jericho, recommends the resort as a ride-in, ride-out option. “It’s the idyllic Vermont bed and breakfast option, with trails right out the door, road loops and swimming holes close by.”

– Pristine mountain climbs and off-the-beaten-track remoteness.

– Rooty, rocky, East Coast-style mountain biking.

– Flatter roads along Lake Champlain.

You’ll be the only one on the road.

Get a flight to Burlington International Airport, or head north from Boston on I-93 and I-89 (about four hours).

Local Motion , 1 Steele St 103, (802) 861-2700

Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness , 2500 Williston Road, South Burlington, (802) 864-9197

Cycle Loft , 28 Cambridge St, Burlington, (781) 272-0870

The edge of Lake Champlain provides a natural route in Burlington, Vermont

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

You don’t need to race horses to appreciate the derby city. Louisville sits at the southern edge of the Ohio Valley, possibly the best region for rural road riding in the mid-west.

But we’re most excited about Louisville as a cycling destination because the city will host the 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships from 29 January to 3 February. You don’t have to be a hardcore fan to appreciate cyclo-cross, which provides some of the most spectator-friendly and exciting action in pro bike racing. Check it out.

– UCI cyclo-cross for 2013.

– Year-round riding on challenging terrain.

– A variety of group rides hosted by the Louisville Bicycle Club .

The cyclo-cross worlds don’t come around every day.

Louisville has its own international airport, with regular flights from many major cities.

On Your Left , 618 Baxter Avenue, (502) 749-6775

Bicycle Sport , 132 Breckenridge Lane, (502) 897-2611

VO2 Multisport , 131 St Matthews Ave, (502) 290-7433

Feeling inspired? Find mountain biking holidays in the US with MuchBetterAdventures , or share your top American cycling routes with BikeRadar Training.

Share this article

travel bike places

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Subscribe to our magazines
  • Manage preferences

bicycling travel awards

The Best Bike Trips in the U.S. You Can Book Right Now

We found the safest bike tours along America’s most spectacular routes so you can check another ride off your bucket list!

Currently Covid cases are at an all-time high in the U.S. Before you book any trip, check for travel restrictions and mandates in states and counties you’ll pass through and understand they may still be in place when it’s time for your trip. If so, respect these restrictions and their communities by rescheduling for a safer time.

Riding your bike can be a fantastic escape from unprecedented stress—as many of us learned (or relearned) in 2020. And riding it someplace beyond your locals adds even more magic. But during a pandemic, everything from traveling to get someplace new to being part of a group is complicated. We debated skipping our annual travel awards, but ultimately decided to focus on stateside trips (potentially eliminating or reducing air travel) run by companies instituting rigorous safety protocols.

Our editors vetted hundreds of tour outfitters and analyzed their itineraries for things like average tour size, traveler reviews, value, and quality of the rental fleet. Each company we chose to feature established practices to combat COVID (everything from providing masks to testing staff regularly to sanitizing equipment), and many have eased their cancellation policies, decreased group sizes, and bolstered their self-guided and private trip options. Of course, it’s still up to you to travel responsibly: Ride within your limits to avoid taxing local health systems, check for travel restrictions in states and counties you’ll pass through, and if you’re sick, stay home. And if your personal situation, local conditions, or sense of caution keep you at home this year, we hope you use this list to shop for the trip you’ll do during a better time.

Get Unlimited Access to Bicycling.com

Get Unlimited Access to Bicycling.com

Whether you want to pedal through Montana’s Big Sky Country, tackle Malibu’s toughest climbs, meander Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast, or travel the Underground Railroad route by bike, these are the 26 most spectacular cycling getaways in the U.S. this year.

bicycling travel awards

BEST FOR FOODIES

Mendocino gravel, the outfitter, the cyclist’s menu.

Created by husband and wife Zander and Heidi Ault (a farm-direct chef and a former pro mountain bike racer), this six-day, five-night tour seamlessly marries stellar gravel riding with phenomenal eats. Routes explore a playful 10-mile stretch of coastline and tranquil roads and trails through more than 50,000 acres of Redwood forest (daily mileage runs 30 to 70). Breakfast spreads, picnic lunches, and sumptuous evening meals all lean into local providers (fresh-caught seafood, community-grown greens, and craft brews) and group bonding (tours are capped at eight travelers; 10 for private) is the goal. Days wind down with happy hours overlooking the coast ahead of comfortable overnights at the MacCallum House Inn.

6 days | 250–300 miles | $3,650 | Intermediate/Advanced

wood pathway leading to the round barn of the hancock shaker village in pittsfield, massachusetts, usa

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Berkshires small group bike tours | farm to fork fitness adventures.

Spend an easy morning riding between three on-farm tasting experiences in the world-renowned foodie destination before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch.

1 day | 40–60 miles | $140 | All Levels

scene from the cycling house's montana gravel tour

BEST GRAVEL

Montana gravel tour, the cycling house.

Head into northwestern Montana’s backcountry on this doubletrack and dirt road adventure. This six-day trip is fully supported, features a mix of challenging climbs and zippy descents, and offers customizable routes (daily mileage range: 20 to 55) to please less-experienced gravel riders and veterans—like the climb up to the Morrell Mountain Lookout at 7,700 feet and sections of the legendary Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. A home base at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake means you only unpack once, and locally sourced meals prepared by Cycling House chefs keep you fortified throughout.

6 days | 160–215 miles | Starts at $2,995 | Intermediate

dirty gypsy adventure’s sierra gravel camp

Sierra Gravel Camp | Dirt Gypsy Adventures

This mixed-terrain camp (gravel, fire roads, asphalt, and singletrack) offers some of the best off-road riding in and around Northern California’s Tahoe National Forest—along with swimming holes, beer tastings, and farm-to-table dinners.

5 days | up to 295 miles | $1,975 | Intermediate/Advanced

sojourn's lake champlain valley fall foliage bike tour

BEST FALL COLORS

Lake champlain valley fall foliage.

Enjoy Vermont’s famous foliage by bike on this inn-to-inn adventure across the gently rolling valley between the Green Mountains and New York’s majestic Adirondack peaks. Daily rides wind through a breathtaking canopy of red, amber, and gold, while topping out at 54 miles—giving you time for off-bike exploring. Picnic lunches, covered bridges, and a seemingly endless number of New England’s iconic red barns add to the allure. Lodging includes historic hotels and charming country inns.

6 days | 160–275 miles | $2,559 | Intermediate

vbt's mississippi natchez trace guided tour

Mississippi Natchez Trace Guided Tour | VBT

The South has some of the country’s most spectacular, and underappreciated, fall foliage. This guided trip gives you a generous glimpse along the historically significant Natchez Trace Parkway, a designated bike route that loosely follows the original 500-mile Native American footpath that connected Natchez, Mississippi, with Nashville.

6 days | 95–140 miles | $1,995 | Recreational/Intermediate

adventure cycling association's underground railroad route

BEST CULTURAL HISTORY

Underground railroad route, adventure cycling association.

The Underground Railroad was the secret network of homes and churches that helped enslaved people reach free states and Canada. This route from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound, Ontario, pays homage to that perilous journey and is part of the ACA’s 50,000+ mile route network. While there is a guided tour offered on the route, it is most frequently traveled by self-guided cyclists who rely on the ACA’s detailed maps and GPX data for guidance. There is no fee to ride the route other than to purchase the map set or GPX data, or use their Bicycle Route Navigator app. (Adventure Cycling members also get a discount on paper maps, among many other benefits).

2,016 miles (shortest leg 378 miles) | Intermediate/Advanced

great freedom adventure's bike and hike new mexico tour

Bike/Hike New Mexico | Great Freedom Adventures

Dive into New Mexico’s rich Indigenous culture and history on foot and by bike. Ride highlights include the High Road to Taos and Enchanted Circle, a National Forest Scenic Byway.

6 days | 50–130 miles (+15 walking) | $3,190 | Intermediate

bicycle adventure's mt rushmore family tour

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Mt. rushmore family tour, bicycle adventures.

This six-day itinerary pairs riding time with activities that kids (and parents) will enjoy. Options for tagalong bikes and trailers make it accessible to even the smallest riders, and van support keeps them close when legs tire out. Groups max out at eight; small enough to accommodate mood swings and last-minute plans. The route ticks off educational landmarks, too: South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and Crazy Horse. Plus, families get ample bonding time in the afternoons and evenings to relax and unwind.

6 days | 110 miles | $2,566 | Recreational/Intermediate

cyclists along the south rim of the grand canyon

South Rim Grand Canyon | Western Spirit

Families who are serious about biking will love this all-day on the bike, nights under the stars, exploration of one of America’s most iconic natural attractions.

5 days | 75–95 miles | $1,295 | Intermediate

yellowstone's lower falls

BEST NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Yellowstone to glacier, rei adventures.

You’ll hit two of America’s most stunning national parks on this 10-day, fully supported journey through Big Sky Country. Ride days range from 34 to 80 miles, and nights are spent both under the stars and in comfortable hotels. Sky-high geysers, wildlife encounters (bison and mountain goats among them), and craft beer samplings will round out your experience. Climbers will like the 10 miles of switchbacks up to the Continental Divide–Pipestone Pass. And there are plenty of off-bike thrills as well, including lake swims and whitewater rafting. The bucket-list highlight: the ride to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

10 days | 455 miles | Starts at $3,999 REI members ($4,268 non-members) | Intermediate/Advanced

a female cyclist rides her road bike in maine's acadia national park

Maine Bike Tour | Backroads

Immerse all of your senses on this trip through and around Acadia National Park. Pine forests, fresh lobster dinners, and time to wander museums and local shops round out the laid-back experience.

5 days | 90–160 miles | $3,199–$3,599 | Intermediate/Advanced

western spirit's fruita singletrack trip

BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING

Fruita singletrack, western spirit.

A mix of steady climbs and rollicking descents on this epic dirt-culture experience will keep your quads guessing. The riding is challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with near-constant panoramic views of the Colorado River Valley and La Sal Mountain range. Guides sweat the small stuff (Western Spirit has set the standard in lavish camp cuisine for more than 30 years) so you can squeeze all the stoke from some of Colorado’s premier singletrack, including the famous Kokopelli Trail, the Western Rim, and the purpose-built Book Cliff Trail System.

5 days | 100 miles | $1,295 | Intermediate/Advanced

escape adventures' idaho hot springs mountain bike tour

Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Tour | Escape Adventures

At the end of each exhilarating day riding premium Sawtooth Mountain trails, you’ll be met with a freshly prepared meal and a bubbling hot spring to unwind in.

5 days | 70–115 miles | $1,349 | Recreational/Intermediate

womantours' finger lakes wine country tour

BEST WOMEN-ONLY

Finger lakes wine country.

This women-only tour of New York’s Finger Lakes region—the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement—includes stops in Susan B. Anthony’s and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hometowns. Enjoy a mix of rolling and flat terrain with rides that range from 13 to 50 miles and stops to sample the dry Riesling and other wines the region is famous for. There’s also time to explore museums and parks that tell the story of how American women fought for the right to vote.

4 days | 125–140 miles | $1,640 | Intermediate

mountain biker, las vegas, nevada, usa

Viva Southwest Las Vegas/St. George Mountain Bike Skills Camp | Sacred Rides

Forget light spins and wine sipping: This is for mountain bikers who want a solid week of coaching on some of the best trails Las Vegas and southwestern Utah have to offer.

6 days | ~75 miles | $2,595 | Advanced

trek travel's san juan islands bike tour

BEST FOR NEW RIDERS

San juan islands bike tour, trek travel.

Explore this idyllic Washington State archipelago with a pair of knowledgeable guides, doable mileage (daily average: 20), and a bike that suits you best (choose a Domane SL7 Disc or a Verve+ e-bike). Wide open views of rolling farmland, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Cascades will distract you from any first-trip jitters. Multiple daily route options and a support van let you comfortably ride at your own pace. Fuel up on local cuisine at some of the islands’ most acclaimed restaurants, and overnight at boutique inns.

6 days | 120 miles | $3,499 | Recreational/Intermediate

sojourn's savannah to charleston's bike tour

Savannah to Charleston | Sojourn

Manageable daily mileage and tree-lined routes make this great for first-timers.

7 days | 60–130 miles | $3,765 | Recreational

duvine

BEST PRO TRAINING GROUNDS

Malibu challenge bike tour.

DuVine is known for crafting incredible cycling experiences, and their four-day trip in and around the Santa Monica Mountains is no exception. You’ll hit iconic local climbs like Latigo Canyon, Stunt and Piuma Roads, and the twisty hairpin turns on Decker. You’ll grab espresso at Pedalers Fork, a well-loved bike-themed eatery in Calabasas. And you’ll stay at the luxe Four Seasons Westlake Village while dining on farm-to-table meals accompanied by selections from California winemakers and breweries. DuVine can also customize a private tour by extending the trip length or increasing your daily mileage.

4 days | 165–185 miles | $3,995 | Advanced

pit stop on the texas ride, trek travel

Texas Ride Camp | Trek Travel

Ride the ranchlands and rolling terrain of Texas Hill (and wine!) Country, which has long been a secret winter-training hotspot for pro cyclists.

7 days | 290–350 miles | $1,799 | Advanced

ingamba's california wine country bike tour

BEST FOR WINE/BEER LOVER

California wine country.

When your meals are prepared by a Michelin-star chef (avid cyclist Matthew Accarrino) in Sonoma County, paired with hand-selected local wines, and served after you’ve ridden anywhere from 22 to 82 miles, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. Routes snake along manicured vineyards and offer up plenty of robust climbs. Trips start and end in Healdsburg, a cozy hamlet with great spots for off-bike exploring. Groups max out at 12, making for an intimate vibe. Included luxuries like postride massages and laundry service for your kit add to the pampered feel.

5 days | 210 miles | $3,450 | Intermediate

outfitter bicycle's asheville craft beer bike tour

Asheville Craft Beer Bike Tour | Outfitter Bicycle

This self-guided road tour includes stops at premier craft breweries in and around Asheville, North Carolina—including the bike-focused Oskar Blues in Brevard. Daily routes range from 8 to 75 miles, with a mountain bike option on day five.

6 days | 60–250 miles | starts at $1,595 | All levels

discovery bicycle tours' florida gulf beaches and rail trails bike tour

BEST BEACH-ADJACENT TOUR

Florida gulf beaches & rail trails bike tour, discovery bicycle tours.

Flat rail trails hug Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast and meander through state parkland for this weeklong trip. New riders will appreciate the super-chill pace and mostly traffic-free route. Off-bike options include kayaking, cultural visits (Salvador Dalí and Ringling Museums), and even an MLB spring training game. Sleep each night in a beachside hotel.

6 days | 140–210 miles | $2,495 | Recreational

great exploration's maui biking trip

Maui Biking | Great Explorations

Ride 25 to 65 miles each day, with options to customize: whale watching, daily yoga, and the option to tackle the 38-mile climb up the Haleakala volcano.

7 days | 260–375 miles | $2,750 | Intermediate

classic brownstones on malcolm x boulevard in harlem

BEST CITY EXPERIENCE

Experience harlem tour, i bike harlem.

Get an intimate look at one of New York City’s most influential neighborhoods on this afternoon outing that introduces guests to the people and places that make the area a landmark district. You’ll ride through the heart of this vibrant section of northern Manhattan, and visit sites significant to Black culture and history, including churches, jazz clubs, speakeasies, museums, famous residences, and restaurants.

4.5 hours | 10 miles | $87 | Moderate

bike  brunch tours in baltimore, richmond, charlotte

Baltimore, Richmond, Charlotte | Bike & Brunch Tours

All levels are welcome on these morning or afternoon tours that highlight Black history and community in one of three East Coast cities. Brunch is optional (and extra), but the temptation to grab a meal at a hidden local gem will be hard to resist.

3 hours | Up to 10 miles | $28–$43 | Recreational/Intermediate

preview for HDM All Sections Playlist - Bicycling

Member Exclusive

spot mayhem 140

The Spot Mayhem 140 is Brilliantly Unconventional

asian chinese cyclist team cycling in rural area during weekend morning backlit warm light

What's the Average Cycling Distance?

a man riding a bicycle on a road

Why You Should Focus on Muscle Power in the Gym

a woman riding a bike on a gravel road

12 Tips for Your First 50-Miler

two women wearing cycling clothing laugh while laying on the pavement

How to Get Better Sleep Like the Pros

a phone with privact settings

Your Guide to Staying Safe on Strava

bike, street cycling and stretching with a sports man at the start of fitness, exercise or training on an asphalt road bicycle, stretch and workout with a male cyclist getting ready for a sport ride

Is Your Back Pain Due to an Anterior Pelvic Tilt?

li king riding bike in garage

How to Be a Rider—With Li King

man preforming banded glute bridge exercise

Glute Bridge Exercises for a Stronger Pedal Stroke

a dura ace crankset on a road bike

What You Need to Know About Crankarm Length

jen acker performing a side stretch yoga move on her bike

The Best Postride Cycling Stretches

man working out on his indoors cycling turbo trainer

Everything You Need to Know About Rouvy

10 best places for a cycling vacation in 2022

Jan 19, 2022 • 6 min read

Distant hills visible

The rolling hills and cypress-lined roads of Tuscany around Siena are sublime for cycling © SimonSkafar/Getty Images

Some of the most beautiful places on earth are best explored on two wheels. You can go at your own pace and stray far from the tourist trail. After a good pedal, local dishes taste so much better. Here are some of the best places to go on a cycling vacation in 2022.

1. Siena, Italy

In the cycling world, Siena is famous for the Strade Bianche , an early-season race that twists and turns over the surrounding region’s hilly, white gravel roads, before arriving at the finish on the Piazza del Campo . Riding those same roads at an easier clip is about as fun as cycling gets. It’s like being on a cypress-lined rollercoaster through vineyards and olive groves. You will want a bike with wider tires, so you can enjoy the views and worry less about keeping the rubber on the dirt. After exploring the countryside, enjoy a hearty Tuscan meal and a few glasses of Brunello.

A mountain biker descends down a massive granite outcrop towards the forest below; in the distance far below is a spellbinding scene of forested islands jutting out of the ocean.

2. Vancouver

Vancouver ’s North Shore is a legendary place to ride mountain bikes. Situated a short drive from the city center, steep tracks twist down through old-growth red cedars, aided by a range of man-made bridges and teeter-totters (see-saws). The riding there will leave you giddy with laughter if your skills are up to it. Mt Fromme and Mt Seymour are home to the most renowned and difficult trails. For those looking for gentler rides, don’t worry; there are lots of cross-country trails about as well.

A lone cyclist pedals along a narrow stretch of road lined by old stone walls; the road meanders into the distant hills.

3. Yorkshire, England

The likes of Bradley Wiggins, Lizzie Deignan and Chris Froome have inspired hundreds of thousands of Brits to take up cycling over the past decade. The UK still isn’t well known as a cycling destination though. That should change soon. Quiet country lanes in places like Yorkshire are as enjoyable for riding as Europe’s more famous roads. Up in the Dales, the hills might not be as long as grand tour cols, but they are as steep as heck and come one after the other. After an hour or two, you will want to stop for tea and scones. The spa town of Harrogate, which hosted the 2019 world championships, is a great place to stay.

A ribbon of road switch-backs up a steep, heavily forested slope; at the bottom of the valley are farms and a village.

4. Stavanger, Norway

Riding amid Norway ’s rocky, windswept mountains, waterfalls, forests and cavernous fjords will leave you humbled by nature’s sheer scale and power. Perhaps that is why Norwegians are so friendly. Stavanger , a prosperous mid-sized city located on the southwest coast, is a great place to start a Norwegian cycling adventure. The surrounding countryside is magnificent. From its tidy harbor, lined with colorful wooden buildings, you can even take a ferry to the bottom of Lysebotn, a wonderful switchbacked climb that rises for 9km from the sea up onto a rugged plateau. From there, it is about a 120km loop around the fjord back to the city.

Moving mountains: Norway’s top 9 hikes

And aerial image of Blanes beach in the distance, through a stone door of St John Castle high above town.

5. Girona, Spain

Good year-round weather, quiet roads, nearby mountains, not far from the Mediterranean coast – it’s no wonder so many professional cyclists call Girona home. The colorful Catalan city sometimes feels as if it's a cycling resort; there are so many top-notch bike shops, tour companies and cafes that cater specifically to cyclists in town, not to mention the grand tour riders who will race past you on climbs such as Els Angels and Rocacorba. There is a tonne of local heritage to discover as well though. After your rides, go for a walk around the old city walls, visit the cathedral or one of the museums or have a soak in the Roman baths, before heading out for a good meal and night on the town.

A traditional bicycle is parked against a hand rail on a bridge over one of Amsterdam's canals; boats line the canal and a large church rises from its end in the distance.

6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Visit Amsterdam , and you’ll be stunned by the number of bikes you see on the streets. Bankers in expensive suits, clattering over the Dam square on rusty rattletraps; students carrying crates of beer on their handlebars and girlfriends on their rear racks; grandmas doing their shopping on e-bikes; whole families traveling together on cargo bikes – every day, hundreds of thousands of Amsterdammers pedal wherever they want to go. Join them. A day touring the canals and Vondelpark , perhaps visiting a couple of the city’s excellent art museums and then cycling from restaurant to bar (or coffee shop) will give you a respectable number of kilometers. Stay sharp though. Navigating Amsterdam’s busy bike paths can be like riding in a peloton.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Amsterdam

Two cyclists pedal along a red-coloured dirt road in the countryside.

7. Athens, USA

A southern college town with one of the best music scenes in the United States , Athens, Georgia is nestled at the center of an awesome array of roads, which get even better when you stray onto dirt. The local cycling community is as friendly and welcoming as can be. Keen riders head there in December, January and February to enjoy the pleasant weather and build fitness for spring. Join them for a segment or two of the Winter Bike League , a series of Saturday group rides that take in the best routes and gas-station stops in the region. Or just head out and enjoy the beautiful countryside at your own pace.

This image looks along a coastline, which has two forested promontories sticking out into the ocean; cut into both is the snaking Cabot Trail.

8. Cape Breton, Canada

Circling Cape Breton Island , off Canada’s Atlantic coast, the Cabot Trail passes through fishing villages where Gaelic is still spoken, Miꞌkmaq reserves and Acadian towns. It winds through old-growth forest to the edge of rust-colored bluffs, before dropping hundreds of meters to sandy beaches and picturesque ports, where the locals sell fresh lobster and chowder. Whether you do the 300km loop in a day or a week, the Cabot Trail is one of the best bike rides in North America . Go in the spring or fall. It can get very busy in summer, and winter is, well, winter in Canada .

On Québec’s Route Verte, not knowing what I was getting myself into was the best part

A lone cyclist pedals through rolling hills covered in grass and forest; she looks up to some rocky peaks above.

9. Boulder, USA

Locals call it the People’s Republic of Boulder . In many ways, it is a place unto itself. Located 50km northwest of Denver , in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains , the home of the University of Colorado is a haven for tech types, academic hippies and Bobo athletes. On its bike paths, you’ll come across Olympians and Ironman champions, though you likely won’t be able to distinguish them from the other locals, as Boulderites are about the fittest people on the planet. Pros and faux pros alike have been coming to the city for decades for its altitude and college-town vibe. For a real challenge, take on the Fearsome Foursome, climbing Flagstaff, Sugarloaf, Magnolia and Sunshine for 2600m of climbing in 80km. There is plenty of pleasant riding around too.

A beginner's guide to hiking in Boulder

10. Chihuahua

If you want to experience the real Wild West, head to Chihuahua, Mexico. Cowboys on horseback outnumber bike riders by far in the rugged, mountainous state. Nevertheless, it is a spectacular place for a cycling adventure. Long climbs rise past scrubby pines and desert to well over 2000m, before plunging down switchbacks and back into forests. Make sure you visit Copper Canyon , which is larger and deeper than America’s Grand Canyon, and sample all of the street food when you do come across a town or village.

Related articles: In Iceland’s remote Westfjords region, a new bicycle route takes shape These are the world's best cities for cycling    The best cycling tours in India

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

This article was first published Dec 2, 2019 and updated Jan 19, 2022.

Explore related stories

Bath, England - May 22, 2012: A couple cycling on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path in spring.

Jul 26, 2020 • 4 min read

The lush, open countryside that makes up much of the UK is best enjoyed on two wheels. Here are 10 of the best cycling routes in the United Kingdom.

travel bike places

Aug 30, 2024 • 8 min read

travel bike places

Aug 27, 2024 • 9 min read

travel bike places

Aug 26, 2024 • 19 min read

Scenic road in the Canadian Rockies during a vibrant sunny summer sunrise. White RV Driving on route. Taken in Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada., License Type: media_digital, Download Time: 2024-08-21T21:06:05.000Z, User: bfreeman_lonelyplanet, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 65050, job: Online Editorial, client: Best places to RV , other: Bailey Freeman

Aug 23, 2024 • 7 min read

travel bike places

Aug 8, 2024 • 6 min read

Cecilia Blomdahl in Longyearbyen, or “the village,” as locals call it, in Svalbard. Courtesy of Cecilia Blomdahl.

Aug 6, 2024 • 7 min read

The exterior showing Olympic rings of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will host the opening ceremonies and track-and-field events for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Aug 1, 2024 • 5 min read

Landscape view of Portland Head Lighthouse in Portland, Maine

Aug 1, 2024 • 6 min read

travel bike places

Jul 30, 2024 • 5 min read

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes

These Are the World's Best Cities for Cycling

Pedal around like a local in the world's best biking cities.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

travel bike places

You can rent a bike and pedal around many large cities, but there are a few places that go above and beyond to make exploring on two wheels easy and convenient. In Copenhagen, spacious bike lanes run parallel to roads, which makes traveling by bike more efficient than pounding the pavement or calling a cab. And in Paris, scooting around town on a shared bike (or a moped) is a hundred times more fun than sitting in traffic or spending time underground in the metro. Plus, by opting for two wheels, you’ll get the chance to cruise alongside locals as you enjoy your own intimate tour of the city.

Next time you find yourself in a new place, especially if it's one of the best cities for cycling, take a moment to figure out the shared-bike network (or rent a bike for the weekend) so you can experience the city how the locals do — from the saddle. To get you started, here are the world’s best bike-friendly cities and where you’ll want to pedal in each of them.

Copenhagen, Denmark

In Denmark, nine out of 10 people own a bike, and there are five times as many bikes as cars on the street according to the Cycling Embassy of Denmark . So it’s no surprise that the capital of Copenhagen is a veritable utopia for bikers — with a vast network of bike paths and lanes, and extensive Cycle Super Highways that joins 29 municipalities with the capital.

Find a bike: In Copenhagen, you can rent a bike through the DonkeyRepublic app.

Portland, Oregon

Portland earned the coveted platinum rating from the League of American Bicyclists for its extensive system of bike routes and for its citizens' encouragement of bike culture. If you start your day early enough, you can bike alongside the locals on their morning commute (with a coffee stop included, of course) before breaking off to cruise alongside the Willamette or Columbia Rivers. If you’re up for the challenge, take on the “ Short, Steep, and Sweet ,” a 14.5-mile route that winds through Portland’s West Hills neighborhood, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Tualatin Valley.

Find a bike: Start a membership with BIKETOWN ($1 to unlock, then 20 cents a minute).

Munich, Germany

Within a five-mile radius of downtown Munich, biking is often the fastest and most flexible way to get around. Here, you’ll find dedicated lanes, bike-traffic signals, and more than 700 miles of marked routes. Pedal along the Isar River and drop by the Maximilianeum, the Bavarian parliament building at the east end of the Maximilian Bridge.

Find a bike: Download the Call a Bike app and the nearest bikes in your area will pop up with directions on how to get there. Once you’re logged into the app, you can reserve the bike in two clicks — and it's available in cities throughout Germany.

Montreal, Canada

If you can’t make it across the Atlantic, just hop over the U.S.-Canada border and make your way to Montreal. The beautiful French-Canadian city boasts more than 435 miles of bike paths and plenty of bike rentals that make exploring the city on two wheels easy. Pick up a homemade bagel at the famous Fairmount Bagel to fuel your journey up the twisting road in Parc du Mont-Royal, where you'll be able to snap a few well-earned photos of some of the city’s best views.

Find a bike: You can rent a two-wheeler from BIXI by downloading the app or by visiting a BIXI station. With a seasonal membership, all trips 45 minutes or less are included, while journeys longer than 45 minutes incur usage fees. One-way passes are pay-as-you-go.

Perth, Australia

Western Australia’s capital is laced with hundreds of miles of paths, bike lanes, and bicycle-friendly streets. The Western Australia government built the extensive Perth Bicycle Network to keep up with an inspiring local demand. One of the best routes is along the Kep Track , a mostly flat path that utilizes former rail lines and takes you through the bush. While the track’s total length is 47 miles, it's best to start at the Mundaring Weir trailhead (a 50-minute drive from Perth) and turn around before Northam.

Find a bike: About Bike Hire rents road, mountain, hybrid, and tandem bikes by the hour.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Like Copenhagen, Amsterdam is a bike lover’s paradise, and it can sometimes seem like there are more bicycles than people. In 2017, 68 percent of commuters rode their bikes to and from work or school. From the city center, follow the Amstel River south on the Ouderkerk aan de Amstel trail. You’ll see the landscape and windmills that inspired Rembrandt and pass through the historic village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.

Find a bike: Amsterdam's bike share program is Hello-Bike , a pay-as-you-go service that works through an app.

Seattle, Washington

The League of American Bicyclists recently named Washington the No. 3 state for cyclists in 2022, giving Seattle a “gold” ranking. The city earned an eight out of 10 for its bicycle network and its championing of bike culture. You can cruise alongside the water on the Elliot Bay Trail , then take a break to walk your bike through Olympic Sculpture Park.

Find a bike: In Seattle, you can take advantage of app-based bike share programs like Lime and Veo .

Paris, France

If you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic when sightseeing in Paris, the easiest way to get around is to hop on a bike. You can make your way along the left bank of the Seine to the Eiffel Tower or pedal across the river to shop on the Champs-Élysées. Half the fun is cruising alongside Parisians, many of whom use bikes to bypass traffic and delayed trains, as you ride to an exhibit at the Centre Pompidou or a café in Saint Germain.

Find a bike: In Paris, the shared-bike system is called Vélib and there is a checkout station roughly every 1,000 feet — download the app before you arrive so you can make sure you know how to use it.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Anyone who’s been to Minneapolis has likely benefitted from the biking community’s work to make the streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians. There are miles and miles of bike lanes, protected bikeways, and dedicated bike paths on which you can cruise around town. For a trip just south of the city, try the 5.7-mile Midtown Greenway , which takes you over the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge and leads you to the Chain of Lakes.

Find a bike: Visitors can tool around the city on shared bikes thanks to Nice Ride Minnesota , a service with more 3,000 bicycles and 400 stations across Minneapolis.

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá’s system of bicycle paths and separated lanes — called ciclorrutas — stretches for hundreds of collective miles through the city, connecting commercial centers with residential areas. Spend the day rolling along the many bike paths that showcase the city’s green spaces. Just make sure to book your Bogotá cycling vacation for a weekend so you can experience the capital without cars. Every Sunday, the city transforms into a cyclist's dream by closing 80 miles of its streets to automobiles — a tradition that’s been going strong since the 1970s.

Find a bike: In Bogotá, you can use the bike-sharing app Tembici , which offers more than 3,000 standard and electric bikes.

Antwerp, Belgium

As a traveler, you can blend right into Belgium's second-largest city by simply hopping on a bike. The city has several established cycling routes that are tailored to tourists, including an Antwerp highlight route that passes through more than 40 points of interest. The 3.7-mile journey starts and ends in the center of Antwerp and delivers a wonderful introduction to the city and surrounding areas.

Find a bike: Pick up a rental bike from Velo , a bike sharing service with more than 4,000 bikes in rotation. Your first 30 minutes are free and a day pass about $4.30.

Bordeaux, France

This bustling, pedestrian-friendly city and the surrounding countryside have more than 700 miles of bicycle paths. For a scenic ride that takes in landmarks on both sides of the Garrone River, depart from Place Gambetta for the Place des Quinconces, the Grand Theatre, and the Place de la Bourse, then cross Pont de Pierre and pedal north along the waterfront to the serene Parc aux Angéliques and the city’s botanical garden.

Find a bike: Opt for a full-day bike rental from Cool Bike (for $11 a day) so you have time to stop and make yourself a French-style picnic.

Tokyo, Japan

Visitors to this mega city — home to more than 13 million people — usually opt to travel on the extensive rail system. But if you spend a good portion of your day underground traveling from one place to the next, you miss all the views, sights, and smells. Instead, hop on a bike  to explore the Imperial Gardens in Chiyoda, or make your way to the Sumida riverfront to take in views of the city's iconic skyline.

Find a bike: The bike-share service Community Cycle is $1.23 for the first 30 minutes another $1.23 for each additional 30 minutes. Day passes are available for $12.27.

Basel, Switzerland

The Swiss have a love affair with cycling — and in this city it shows. Basel is the perfect starting point for long trips because you can reach other European countries from the city's bike trails. You can also rent a bike in Basel and return it in another Swiss city . That said, there’s no reason to leave Basel proper, as the city sports traffic signals and lanes just for cyclists. For an easy day of exploration, rent an e-bike and swing by the sculptural Tinguely Fountain before setting out a picnic on the banks of the Birs River.

Find a bike: Grab an e-bike from Guest Bike Basel at the city’s main train station for about $20.

Barcelona, Spain

There’s no need to leave the urban core to cycle around this design-centric city. In fact, by starting at Plaça Catalunya, you can hit most of the highlights, including Sagrada Familia, Arc de Triomf, and Casa Batlló. Take a right onto Av. Portal de l’Angel, left onto Carrer dels Arcs, then head to El Born, home to Museu Picasso de Barcelona . This route ends at Las Ramblas, a walkway lined with cafés, bars, and shops.

Find a bike: Barcelona's public bike-share system is not intended for tourists, but you can rent a bike from various bike shops around the city like Happy Rental Bike near Parc de la Ciutadella. Prices start at about $9 for two hours.

Related Articles

Get Your Local Running Newsletter

Plan your week with local routes, events, and weather.

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Woman rides trail above Crested Butte

The 10 Best Bike Towns in America, Ranked

A lifetime cyclist, our columnist pulled the data and weighed other factors to determine the most bike-friendly small towns across America

Image

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Reddit

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Subscribe today → .

The U.S. was built for cars. I’m talking about our infrastructure: the interstate system, traffic laws, speed limits, and streets. They’re all designed with vehicles in mind. And yet, some communities have embraced and are moving toward the bicycle over the car.

These towns have done so much: created bike-lane infrastructure and robust greenway systems, leveraged their natural attributes by building singletrack, and put in signage and lower speed limits to make country roads safer. Bike towns vary wildly, some filled with people who pedal to work and shuttle toddlers around via cargo bikes, others good for those who exist solely to shred dirt trails or ascend mountain roads.

child and woman ride at Rio Grande Trail, Aspen

To create this list of the Best Small Bike Towns in America, I studied data collected each year by People for Bikes , a non-profit that ranks the “Best Places to Bike” based on factors like local speed limits and cycling infrastructure, giving each community a score from 0 to 100. The average city in the U.S. scores in the mid-20s, while the most bike-friendly places rate in the 70s to low 90s.

I doubled down on data by bringing in info from the League of American Bicyclists , a non-profit that promotes cycling through education and advocacy, and rates communities with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze status dependent on a town’s numbers of bike lanes and lane connectivity.

Safe streets and being able to commute to school and work are important, but other factors determine a great bike town, like the number of dirt trails and mountains nearby to ascend. So I also sought data from Trailforks,  which catalogs the number of mountain-bike trails within feasible reach of each community, and looked for towns that also have access both to world-class road-cycling routes and lonely gravel roads to explore. (Trailforks is owned by Outside Inc., the same company that owns Outside.)

I wanted to focus on small towns across the U.S., so I capped populations at 100,000, which left out some big hitters like Boulder, Colorado, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, both outstanding places to live if you want to bike. My compliments to those communities—please keep up the good work.

While I used as many data points as I could find, this list also contains some subjectivity based on my own experience. For example, Park City, Utah, is in here even though it receives a middling score from People for Bikes. Why? The mountain biking is amazing and there’s so much of it. I also included towns that go above and beyond for commuters, others that have vibrant social cycling scenes (like group rides and events), and others with epic road routes.

Of course, some cities do it all, and I put them at the top of the list. Here are the 10 Best Small Bike Towns in America, ranked.

1. Crested Butte, Colorado

Population: 1,654

People for Bikes Score: 87

League of American Bicyclists: Gold

Person bike riding through wildflowers

Why I Chose It: This small Colorado ski town could have earned a spot on this list solely based on its assessments in People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists for its bike infrastructure and safe streets. But Crested Butte rose to the top of the pack because it’s also a fantastic mountain-bike mecca, with a lift-served downhill park on the edge of town and access to more than 750 miles of trails within the greater Gunnison Valley.

Woman bikes down Elk Avenue in Crested Butte, Colorado

Oh, and it’s an underrated road-cycling destination, with mixed gravel and paved rides beginning in town and climbing to scenic lookouts like Ohio Pass and Kebler Pass, where the Elk Mountains rise ahead in a mix of craggy peaks and aspen-clad slopes.

Number of Bike Trails: 247

mountain biking Crested Butte, Colorado

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: Trail 401 tops the lists. This eight-mile, mostly downhill high-alpine trail begins at Schofield Pass and drops more than 1,000 feet, passing through wildflower meadows with views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte.

2. Davis, California

Population: 68,000

People for Bikes Score: 77, highest ranked medium-sized city in its report

League of American Bicyclists Status: Platinum

Cyclist on country road in Davis, California

Why I Chose It: Davis, a college town on the outskirts of Sacramento, is a bike commuter’s dream. It was the first city in the U.S. to implement dedicated bike lanes, back in 1967, and has only improved its bike infrastructure since. Currently, more than 95 percent of the city’s streets have bike lanes, giving locals 102 miles of those and 63 miles of off-street paths to pedal. Many intersections have bike-specific signals, and there are even bike boulevards, meaning streets shut down to motorized vehicles. Davis has been repeatedly touted as the most bike-friendly city in the U.S. by organizations like People for Bikes, and the League of American Bicyclists estimates that 22 percent of residents commute regularly by bike.

family biking in park in Davis, Calif.

Number of Bike Trails: 7. Davis proper isn’t much of a mountain-bike community–most of the in-town trails are short paths cutting through neighborhoods and parks. But there are good trail systems within the greater Sacramento Valley, known for its patchwork of vegetable and fruit farms, including the 20 miles of trail at Rockville Hills Regional Park 30 minutes south.

Lake Front Trail

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: Rockville Trail , in Rockville Hills, connects you from the trailhead parking lot to the gems within the stacked-loop system, including Lake Front, which has a fun, easy downhill before skirting Grey Goose Lake.

 3. Jackson, Wyoming

Population : 10,698

People for Bikes Score: 79

League of American Bicyclists Status: Gold

road biking Tetons

Why I Chose It : Jackson Hole made this list for its bike-lane connectivity. More than 100 miles of paved trails run through and beyond town, with 115 miles of singletrack surrounding it—and that’s just within the valley known as Jackson Hole. Not only can you bike to the grocery store on a designated route, you can pedal into the National Wildlife Refuge and Grand Teton National Park on a paved trail (it’s 20 miles from Jackson to Jenny Lake inside the park), with views of the jagged Teton Range and herds of elk.

Autumn biking Tetons on skyline

Trailheads for popular singletrack begin right on the edge of neighborhood streets, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s extensive lift-served routes are 15 minutes from the town center. Biking is woven into the fabric of the community, through the extensive infrastructure and events like bike swaps, youth programs, and local race series. In June, a landslide closed a 10-mile stretch of the Teton Pass mountain road for three weeks, impeding the commute between Jackson and less expensive communities in Idaho. The silver lining? Cyclists enjoyed a car-free pedal to the top of the pass. Teton Pass is open now, and classic rides like Parallel Trail, a 1.5-mile downhill with lots of jumps, are once again easy to access.

Number of Bike Trails: 105

travel bike places

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: Putt Putt takes top honors. This beginner-friendly three-mile cross-country trail begins at the Cache Creek Trailhead and has a number of connectors that allow you to form fast, rolling loops with other trails in the same system, like Hagen , for nearby post-work romps.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Population : 6,741

People for Bikes Score : 75

League of American Bicyclists Status : Gold

mountain bike riders on Smuggler Mountain, above Aspen

Why I Chose It : Aspen checks all the boxes, scoring high marks from People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists thanks to its infrastructure and low-speed streets. The city of Aspen manages more than 22 miles of paved bike trails connecting parks within the town’s limits, and the Rio Grande Trail offers 42 miles of no-traffic asphalt from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Aspen also has a bike-share program in the form of We-Cycle , which has stations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and offers 30-minute free rides in town.

three women riding bikes through Aspen in summer

Aspen-Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley was the first destination in Colorado to earn Gold Level Ride Center status from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). The Roaring Fork Valley has more than 300 miles of trails, from lift-served descents at Snowmass Mountain Resort to hut-to-hut bikepacking through some of the 10th Mountain Division’s cabin system. And then you have the road routes, like the bucket-list-worthy 16-mile roundtrip from downtown to Maroon Bells, where the twin 14,000-foot Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak rise above the placid Maroon Lake.

mountain biker in autumn foliage in Aspen, Colorado

Number of Bike Trails: 191

Most Popular Bike Trail: The crown goes to French Press , a 4.4-mile downhill romp in Snowmass’ Bike Park that is full of berms and rollers from top to bottom. Both beginners and pros love it as being fun regardless of how fast you tackle it.

5. Ashland, Oregon

Population: 21,285

People for Bikes Score: 70

Ashland, Oregon

Why I Chose It : Ashland is celebrated for its annual Shakespeare Festival, but this southern Oregon town deserves to be just as famous for its biking. The only question is which riders have it better here, the roadies or the mountain bikers? Road cyclists have the 55-mile Cascade Siskiyou Scenic Bikeway, which begins and ends downtown and climbs 5,000 feet out of Bear Valley, with views of iconic landmarks like the volcanic Pilot Rock and the 9,000-foot tall Mount McLoughlin.

Gaia map Ashland Watersjed

Hundreds of miles of rural paved roads extend into the surrounding Siskiyou Range. Mountain bikers enjoy the 100-mile trail system in the 15,000-acre Ashland Watershed , where singletrack ascends to the top of 7,532-foot Mount Ashland and runs all the way back into town, more than 5,000 feet below. Ashland Mountain Adventures runs shuttles ($30 per person), so you can skip the climb up Mount Ashland and focus on the descent during your 13- to 25-mile (depending on the route) ride.

road biking Ashland, Oregon

All cyclists get to pedal the 20-mile Bear Creek Greenway that runs north from the edge of town, connecting Ashland with surrounding communities. Fun fact: Ashland is home to the United Bicycle Institute, a school for bike mechanics and builders, that has offered one- and two-week programs since 1981.

Number of Bike Trails: 86 trails

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: Locals love the two-mile Jabberwocky , which drops almost 1,000 feet of elevation in a series of machine-built berms and tabletops. (Hand-built trails are narrower and often more technical.)

6. Park City, Utah

Population: 8,374

People for Bikes Score: 48

biking in Park City, Utah

Why I Chose It: Park City’s People for Bikes score isn’t stellar. While at 48 it’s well above the U.S. average, it still doesn’t crack their list of the top 10 small cities due to the city’s lack of bike-safety projects and bike access to core services like grocery stores and hospitals. But its ranking is climbing—up 15 points, from 33, in the last three years—and the town is interlaced by an impressive 40 miles of non-motorized bike paths. Park City also has a share fleet of electric bikes, and the city introduced a reward program that actually pays people to commute during winter.

woman in Park City, Utah, smiles on an ebike

All of that is great, but I chose Park City for this list because of its mountain biking. It is an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, with more than 400 miles of singletrack extending directly from town into the Wasatch Mountains. I live in a good city for mountain bikers (Asheville) but am jealous: the amount of dirt you can pedal in Park City is absolutely bonkers: this might be the best town in America to live in if you’re a mountain biker. The only downside is the trails’ seasonality; you’re not riding dirt in the winter, but that’s why they make skis.

woman mountain biking at Deer Valley, Utah

Number of Bike Trails: 629

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: The Wasatch Crest Trail is a classic mountain-bike ride in Park City, running for 13 miles west of the city with plenty of high-alpine ridgeline singletrack and accompanying big-mountain views. Almost all of the trails are amazing, but locals love The Spine , a short A-line section of the Wasatch Crest Trail, with crazy exposure on a knife-edge ridge.

7. Harbor Springs, Michigan

Population: 1,271

People for Bikes Score: 92

League of American Bicyclists Status: Not Ranked (communities must apply for consideration)

bike, sunset, lake in Michigan

Why I Chose It: Harbor Springs, a small waterfront village on Lake Michigan, earned an outstanding score in People for Bikes’ latest rankings for connectivity: cyclists can pedal everywhere safely, from grocery stores to schools to parks, thanks to low-traffic, low-speed streets (that are pretty flat, too), and the Little Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile greenway that connects Harbor Springs with several communities and parks along Little Traverse Bay.

Highlands Bike Park, Boyne Resorts, Michiga

Pedaling isn’t just relegated to in-town cruising, though. The place has a vibrant mountain-biking scene thanks largely to The Highlands , a lift-served bike park with 22 miles of mountain-bike trails. There’s a mix of trails for all levels, while cyclists just looking to cruise will find several miles of wide paths at the Offield Family Nature Reserve and the McCune Nature Preserve .

Number of Bike Trails: 54

Rider in forest Highlands Bike Park, Boyne Resort

Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: The short Dirt Sample , a double-black downhill trail at the Highlands Bike Park, gets top honors for its bevy of wooden features like jumps, drops, and berms.

8. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Population: 3,664

People for Bikes Score: 96

League of American Bicyclists Status: Silver

travel bike places

Why I Chose It: Provincetown had the second-highest People for Bikes score of any town in the U.S. thanks to its suite of low speed limits, multiple bike paths, a dedication to the commuting cause, and the lack of hills. The secluded island community of Mackinac Island, Michigan, had the only higher score, and while I love the idea of a town that bans cars, I ultimately left the place off this list because of its seclusion and the inherent difficulty of living and working there. (Mackinac only has 500 year-round residents.)

bikers Provincetown, Mass.

Provincetown has a Bicycle Committee that plans projects and prints an annual map of bike routes . A beach town on the tip of Cape Cod, it was essentially built for single-speed cruising—think pedaling to the ocean and then to get ice cream—and that sort of low-speed, casual cruising remains a fixture of the lifestyle. The year-round population is just over 3,000, and yet Provincetown has five bike shops. A five-mile loop trail traverses the forests and dunes outside of town, with spurs to beaches facing the Atlantic.

Number of Bike Trails: 21

travel bike places

Most Popular Trail on Trailforks: Province Lands Bike Trail is the main attraction with a hilly, paved 5.25 mile loop through sand dunes and beech forest. Check out the 3.5-mile Herring Cove to Race Point Spur , which connects two popular beaches on opposite ends of the Cape.

9. Sewanee, Tennessee

Population: 2,922

People for Bikes Score: 83

League of American Bicyclists Status : None, but the University of the South in town has a Bronze ranking

Woody's Bicycles, Sewanee, Tennessee

Why I Chose It : Sewanee is a small college town on the top of the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee with beautiful Collegiate Gothic architecture and stunning fall foliage. Life revolves around the University of the South, and the community in general has the languid pace of a tiny southern mountain town, which, frankly, is ideal for someone riding around. Sewanee is the number-one-ranked Bike Friendly Community in the South, according to People for Bikes, based on the low-traffic streets and bike access to essential destinations like schools, jobs, and grocery stores.

Cumberland Plateau

Cyclists could probably live a car-free (or car-light) life, but there’s more here than just going from A to B. The 22-mile Perimeter Loop is a mix of singletrack, double track, and pavement that encircles the university’s campus and provides access to other trails in the area, while the 12-mile Mountain Goat Trail is a paved off-street option that traces an old railway from Sewanee northeast to the town of Monteagle. Road cyclists can create 25-mile-plus loops using the country roads that descend and ascend the 1,000-foot-tall Cumberland Plateau.

Number of Trails: 34

Perimeter Trail, Gaia map

Most Popular Trail on Trailforks: The 14-mile singletrack portion of the Perimeter Trail is the locals’ favorite option thanks to its cross-country flow and mild technical difficulty.

10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Population: 99,285

People for Bikes Score: 50

Arkansas Graveler tour

Fayetteville barely made it under our population cap of 100,000, but this southern mountain town is a great sleeper destination for cyclists. It may not get quite the attention of hot towns like Bentonville, but Fayetteville is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, with 50 miles of singletrack in town and the nearby ridges, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads.

travel bike places

Within the city, cruisers have 50 miles of paved bike trails, and the future is only looking brighter. Fayetteville’s council envisions a community where every resident is within a two-minute pedal of an established trail, and the town is building an average of two to three miles of paved trail every year. Fayetteville is also the beginning of the Razorback Greenway , a 40-mile regional bike path that connects communities throughout Northwestern Arkansas.

Number of Trails: 154

Most Popular Trail on Trailforks: Mountain bikers love Fayetteville Traverse , an intermediate flow trail that connects with two downhill trails, Red Rum and Chunky.

Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national-parks columnist. He rides his bike everywhere around his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, even though it has a poor People for Bikes score because of a lack of greenways and bike lanes .

Graham Averill author

For more by this author, see:

8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture
The Best Ways to Get Outside in West Virginia
The 10 Best National Parks in Canada
The 5 Best National Park Road Trips in the U.S.
  • City Biking
  • Gravel Bikes
  • Massachusetts
  • Mountain Biking

Popular on Outside Online

travel bike places

Enjoy coverage of racing, history, food, culture, travel, and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands.

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

Cycling tours

Intrepid travellers cycling the Athabasca River near Jasper in Canada

No big bus windows. No phone screen. No maps, walls or guidebooks. Just your wheels, the wind and the open road. That’s how we roll.

From pedalling through peaceful villages in  Vietnam  and  Japan  to cruising down epic, ever-changing landscapes in  Jordan  and  Tanzania , our cycling tours allow you to really immerse yourself in a place and not just travel through it. Powered by nothing but your legs (and maybe a slice of biscotti and a couple of extra-strong cafés au lait), there’s a nice simplicity to cycling as well as plenty of adventures waiting for you off the saddle. Intrepid style cycling isn’t the Tour de France – you don’t get prizes for coming first and the lycra bodysuits are definitely optional – but we promise it’s a totally unique way to experience the world.

On most of our trips we use hardtail mountain bikes armed with front suspension. Depending on the country, we’ll use a mix of makes and models like Giant Talon and Trek X Caliber 5, but they’re pretty similar when it comes to form and function. Our bikes are serviced regularly by local experts who know their stuff, and any pesky broken chains or flat tyres can be fixed in a jiffy. You can usually bring your own bike, too (check our FAQs for the logistical info).

Riding a bike is good for you (even factoring in the odd gelato or Tuscan cellar door pitstop). But it’s also good for the environment. Like all our trips, our cycling tours are 100% carbon offset. Most of the transport is powered by the greenest energy of all: yours. We’ve been certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid, you’re traveling to improve the planet.

There’s something special about Intrepid travelers. You travel differently; you travel with purpose; you seek to leave a positive impact and give back to the people and places you visit. By traveling on an Intrepid cycling trip, you’ll directly support our  Intrepid Foundation cycling partner, World Bicycle Relief . Donations provide school children, health workers and farmers in rural low-income communities with durable bicycles, research and mechanics training.

We run risk assessments on all our cycling trips and our leaders are specially trained to run cycling adventures, so you can rest assured you’re well taken care of. Our leaders are also trained in basic first aid, and we’ve got a support vehicle that follows the group in case of injury, inclement weather, unexpected and hazardous road conditions, or if you’d like to give your legs a rest.

The beauty of small group travel means our groups are small enough to allow you to ride at your own pace, but big enough to connect with others and create a good social vibe. Our maximum group size is 12 people, which we’ve found is a great number to let you get to know your fellow cyclists and also benefit from your leader’s knowledge and experience.

We think the best folks to show you around the heart of a destination is someone who lives there. That's why we work exclusively with local cycling leaders, which means you’ll really get to know the places you’ll be visiting. Our leaders are not just cycling enthusiasts, they’re also your travel guru, teacher and enthusiastic purveyor of local experiences.

Our local leaders are all cycling junkies, but they go through some pretty rigorous training before being allowed behind the handlebars of an Intrepid cycling tour. Each leader has undergone on-road supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. But they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they know the best local bars, cafes and hidden spots (not to mention handling all the logistical stuff). You just focus on the ride.  

One of my favorite trips is  Cycle Tuscany . We ride from the Apuan Alps down to the coast, followed by a dip in the Mediterranean and a picnic of fresh focaccia and tomatoes. We continue through rural villages, protected wildlife parks and sandy beaches all the way to the medieval jewel of the walled city of Lucca – and that's just in one day. Top tip for an Intrepid cycling trip: bring patience, an open heart and an open mind. Oh, and trust your legs!

Filter by rating

Cycle Croatia

Cycle Slovenia

Cycle Tuscany

Cycle Sri Lanka

What’s the range of cycling tours available?

Our cycling tours span the gamut of two-wheeled challenges: from a leisurely ride through Vietnam to cycling across landscapes of Cuba. Some of these trips include cycling as just one of a number of active adventures, others are more cycling focussed (ie. You’ll be riding almost every day).

Should I bring my own bike on a cycling trip?

To take the hassle out of preparing for your trip, we've included bike hire on all our dedicated cycling tours. Alternatively, you can bring your trusty bike from home. If you're bringing your own bike, make sure you let us know when booking so we can make sure your bike is appropriate for that particular tour. As always, check your Essential Trip Information. 

Bringing your own bike  – If you are a dedicated cyclist or just want to take your bike on a holiday, you can usually bring it along for the ride. You’ll need to box it up for transport on the plane.

The easiest way to do this is to go to your local bike shop and ask if they will do it for you (a fee may apply). They often have boxes on hand from old stock and have the tools to remove the pedals and secure your handlebars.

Airline fees will also apply, so check with your airline about costs. It's worth remembering not all trips will be able to accommodate your own bike, so let us know what you're planning at the time of booking. 

Hiring a bike  – The bikes we use are from proven brands, very well maintained, typically less than 3 years old (most are newer) and specifically chosen to suit the terrain you'll be cycling on the trip. They come in a full range of sizes from extra small to extra large and usually have front suspension, flat bars, and 27 gears.

The only thing you need to do is advise us of your height at the time of booking. We’ll handle the rest. If you'd like, you can always bring your own saddle (seat) or gel over-cover for comfort. If you want to use cleats, bring your pedals and shoes, too. 

How do I fly with my bike?

All airlines will have their own rules and fees when transporting bikes. Make sure you contact the airline (preferably) before you pay for your flights to see what charges and requirements they have.

Before you depart, you must box your bike for transport. See our section ‘taking your own bike vs. hiring one’ for more information.

What do I have to carry while I ride?

On all of our cycling tours your accommodation is pre-booked and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. All you have to carry is water, any snacks or gadgets you may want and a few layers to keep you dry and warm. A small, lightweight backpack may come in handy.

Do I need to pack anything special?

Helmets are compulsory on our cycling tours, so you can either bring your own or (to save on luggage space) buy one at a local bike shop once you arrive in-country. We also recommend you bring your own water bottle/hydration pack and closed shoes. You may also wish to bring Cycling shorts and (if you ride regularly at home) your own saddle and pedals. Many of our clients who do not ride regularly find a gel seat cover helpful in making the ride more comfortable. For more info on packing, check out the What to Pack section of your Essential Trip Information.

How fit do I need to be to do a cycling tour?

All you need to enjoy our cycling trips is the ability to ride a bicycle and a passion for seeing a destination on two wheels. That’s about it.

While there are occasionally longer days on some itineraries, the vast majority of our cycling days are between 19-37 miles and are done at a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery or just take a break. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness will get by with no trouble. Be sure to check the physical rating and description in the Essential Trip Information to make sure the trip suits your fitness level and skills.

Our cycling trips are done predominantly on sealed roads (with the odd unsealed section), but none of the trips require any specialist cycling skills. We’ve also researched extra riding routes in each of the destinations we visit, so if you want to stretch your legs a bit more, you can.

My partner is fitter than me, should I still book this trip?

To make our trips more accessible for cyclists of varying fitness levels and skills, most of our trips will have a support vehicle that follows the group. You can jump into the support vehicle any time you feel like taking a short (or long) break from riding. Many of our cycling trips also include the option to use an e-bike, an electric motor-assisted bike that’ll get you up any hill or allow you to zip along the flats with minimum effort.

What sort of safety precautions do you take?

We run risk assessments on each and every one of our cycling trips to make sure they’re up to scratch and your cycling leaders have personally ridden every inch of the itinerary in advance. We’ve assessed the road conditions, the level of traffic and any potential blackspots.

Our leaders are trained in cycling health and safety, as well as basic first aid, and we usually have a vehicle following us if an evacuation ever becomes necessary. We’ve also made sure our cycling tours depart during the milder months when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, so the ride should be as pleasant (and safe) as possible. 

Do I need special insurance for a cycling trip?

Not as a rule. Any injuries you might suffer while riding should be covered by the more reputable comprehensive policies (we can recommend some good brands if you’re unsure of what to get). It’s always important to double-check the fine print before departing on your trip and be aware that, like all Intrepid trips, travel insurance is compulsory on our cycling itineraries.

Turkey’s most underrated experience: mountain biking in Cappadocia

Keep the wheels turning: How bicycles are empowering rural communities around the world

What to expect on a cycling trip in Southern Thailand

All your questions answered: 10 things to know about Intrepid’s cycling trips

5 reasons you should do a Sonoma bike tour

7 great things to do in Arizona

Breaking down the myth of ‘Wellness Travel’

5 of the best things to do in Northumberland National Park

More From Forbes

Better bike trips: 5 new ways to enjoy active cycling vacations.

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

Cycling is a fun, healthy way to see the world—now more than ever.

Cycling was growing in popularity even before the pandemic, with growth pushed by entirely new categories such as e-bikes and gravel riding. But along with just about every other form of active outdoor recreation, participation exploded with COVID-19.

Today these gains seem to have stuck around, and just about every top tour operator specializing in cycling vacations has seen record bookings. Many are scrambling to add new itineraries and more departures to existing ones, with some trips selling out up to a year in advance.

Why You Might Like A Cycling Vacation

I have long been a huge fan of cycling vacations. I do at least one a year, and it’s what we chose for our 20 th wedding anniversary. It’s just a great way to travel, with trips available in all corners of the globe, including perennial hotspots like Italy’s Tuscany, France’s Burgundy and California’s Napa Valley, as well as more exotic options such as Vietnam, South Africa and Argentina.

Some ofthe world's best bike vacations are in Italy—and include frequent gelato breaks.

These trips are great for foodies, and because you are working out every day, they are a fun way to feel less guilty about all the decadent eating, wine and gelato stops along the way. Active traveler pioneer and luxury tour operator Butterfield & Robinson coined the phrase “Slow Down to See the World” for its white glove bike trips, and this is spot on: cycling is just the perfect pace at which to explore a region and see the world around us. You cover a lot more ground than you can on foot, but at a speed that lets you see everything along the way, things you miss from a car or bus or train window, and you can stop whenever you want, as often as you want.

What’s New In Bike Travel

One previous big trend in active travel was the popularity of cycling by river cruises in Europe, ... [+] such as the Rhine.

The top active travel tour specialists are not just adding new trips and new places to ride, the latest trend has been adding entirely new ways to do cycling vacations. This started several years back when cycling companies discovered how well European river cruise ships worked as floating hotels, kicking off a whole new and very popular segment of active cycling cruises. Fans love the option to simply unpack and pack once on a weeklong trip, while using the ship to cover more ground and still having the same experience off the boat, full days cycling and tours. That concept has continued to morph with smaller ships, sailboats, oceangoing ships, and more creative itineraries, but there are several other new ways to enjoy a two wheeled vacation. Here are five that struck me as standouts.

Billionaire Daughters Pegula, Navarro Are Into The U.S. Open Semifinals: ‘No, I Don’t Have A Butler’

Today’s nyt mini crossword clues and answers for thursday, september 5, billionaire daughters pegula, navarro advance to u.s. open semifinals, gravel riding.

It’s become widely known as “gravel grinding” because there’s more friction, more weight and thus a little more work involved in moving along dirt roads on a gravel bike than pavement on a road bike. But that nickname has a negative connotation that is clearly erroneous, given the enormous overnight popularity of this cycling niche. In fact, for the past few years gravel riding has been the fastest growing segment of cycling, and last month there was an endurance gravel event in my neck of the woods, rural Vermont, that quickly sold out with a thousand cyclists tackling the back roads of the Green Mountain State.

A group from Montana-based tour operator The Cycling House rides the fabled White Roads of Tuscany ... [+] on gravel bikes.

Gravel riding is closer to road cycling than mountain biking, with drop handlebar road-style bikes beefed up with fatter tires, lower gearing and sometimes shocks. They are basically road bikes redesigned for unpaved roads, while mountain bikes are for off-road trails and technical single track. You don’t need the handling skills of mountain biking, and you don’t have the higher rate of falls that goes with it. In fact, in many ways gravel is the mellowest kind of cycling, at a slower pace and with less cars, the big appeal to many road cyclists. There are very few busy dirt roads. You also get to venture a little further into nature and off the beaten track, and in places like Vermont, where more than half the state’s road miles remain unpaved, it really opens up the choices.

But for the most part, the biggest luxe cycling tour operators have ignored gravel riding despite its growth. There have been a handful of exceptions, and suddenly I am seeing more and more companies offering gravel options. Popular hotspots include New England, the American West, Iceland, and just as Tuscany is sort of the Bucket List for road cyclists, Italy’s ”White Roads,” also in Tuscany but covered in crushed white stone rather than asphalt, are the new Holy Grail of gravel. One company that I have traveled with and can highly recommend offers a couple of annual White Roads of Tuscany gravel trips is Tourissimo . The Turin-based Italy specialist that knows the country inside and out but caters to the U.S. market.

Travelers tackling the challenge and beauty of Tuscany's white gravel roads with tour operator ... [+] Tourissimo.

The Cycling House is a Montana-based tour operator that has been doing cycling trips for two decades and has a good reputation, but I don’t have first-hand experience. They have jumped with both feet into gravel, and currently offer 5–7-day trips in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, the Spanish Pyrenees, Spain’s legendary cycling Mecca of Girona, and yes, the White Roads of Tuscany. Wilderness England is a UK-based active travel company specializing in the British Isles that just announced new gravel itineraries for 2025 in England’s Lakes Region that include part of the Gralloch, a gravel world series race route.

Mountain Biking

Major tour operators have stayed even further away from serious mountain biking than gravel, in part because the logistics of guiding trips are harder, as support vans cannot run on mountain trails, bikes break more, and accidents can be more common. There are plenty of very avid mountain bikers, but until recently for the most part they have had to go to key mountain biking destinations and seek out local small operators, especially in spots such as Italy’s Dolomites and New Zealand.

Italy's Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heirtage Site, is one of the world's great mountain biking ... [+] destinations

Of the top luxury tour operators I have traveled with and know are excellent, such as Backroads and Butterfield & Robinson, only DuVine —a winner of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards again for 2024—has made the leap. They just added their first ever scheduled group mountain bike trip , an epic 6-day itinerary in South Africa. DuVine has always had a culinary and wine centric focus, hence its name, and this ride is no exception, with a deep dive into South African wines and vineyard visits. It starts in Cape Town, a wonderful tourism city, rides through the nearby wine country, and hits some of the nation’s most revered singletrack. They didn’t skimp on gear, using a fleet of high-end Stumpjumper Expert dual-suspension bikes from Specialized.

I’ve been to South Africa several times and love it, so I get the many appeals, but DuVine founder Andy Levine had never been until his team put together this itinerary. He went to check it out and told me simply, “South Africa hits home runs in so many levels. This trip is world class, over the top. For what we do—bike, eat, drink sleep, it’s a 10+++.”

Cape Town is a world-class tourism city—and now it's a mountain biking destination.

On a larger and less luxurious scale, Escape Adventures , an established tour operator based in Las Vegas, is another company I have first-hand experience with (via road bike) that offers guided mountain bike trips—a lot of them. The variety includes trips specifically for more skilled enthusiasts and others suitable for physically fit first timers. Each trip they offer is clearly rated for technical ability and fitness level, and on many, e-mountain bikes (with electric assist motors) are offered as a less demanding alternative. They have several options in the red-hot mountain biking destination of Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as the famed White Rim Trail in Moab, Utah, several other rugged Utah tours around the Moab and St. George regions, plus Arizona, New Mexico, Durango, CO, Lake Tahoe, Idaho and more.

RV Based Cycling

If river cruise ships work so well as a moving hotel for cyclists in Europe, why not use recreation vehicles (RVs) or motor homes to access the best of the Western U.S. wilderness for mountain bikers? That’s the logic behind these first of a kind trips from Escape Adventures (see above) in partnership with Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals , a company that rents a variety of different sized high-end recreational vehicles from Winnebago and Thor in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Bozeman, all hubs for major National Park regions.

Utah's Moab is one of the most popular mountain bike destinations in the world.

By utilizing these rentals, Escape Adventures claims to be the first and the only active travel tour operator to offer an elevated cycling experience bringing the comforts of home into some of the most beautiful natural settings. The vehicles will be used for both road cycling and mountain bike trips, and the first itineraries are six-day multi-sport trips around Moab, UT including Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. The trips include hiking, rock-climbing and rafting as well as your choice of road or mountain biking, and tours start at $4,274 per person including the RV rental.

All E-Bikes

In recent years most major active travel tour operators have added the choice of riding an e-bike as an option on most itineraries. E-bikes have electric motors that assist in pedaling and allow the rider to do more with less physical effort. This has done a lot to broaden the appeal of biking trips by allowing more people to do them. It also facilitates multi-generational travel by suddenly allowing grandparents to keep up with younger generations and empowers couples where one is a more avid rider. I’m all for getting more people on active trips, but I have to admit I was surprised the first time a much less experienced cyclist passed me on a long mountain climb thanks to an e-bike. I’m happy riding my own ride and looking at it from a live and let live perspective, but it turns out not everyone feels the same way—on both sides of the issue.

Backroads created an entire category of laid back "easygoing" Dolce Tempo trips, some of which are ... [+] exclusively for e-bikes

Some less accomplished riders who want e-bikes feel embarrassed by the motorized assistance, and some just do not want to be on trips with a bunch of avid cyclists, some of whom can tend to get competitive on group rides. So, the biggest tour operator in luxury active travel, Backroads , introduced a more laid-back category of trips called Dolce Tempo , which it calls “Easygoing Active Tours,” with options for cycling, walking and multi-sport. Within this category they have several all e-bike cycling tours, where everyone on the trip is on one, eliminating any awkwardness. These trips are offered in the same great destinations as classic trips, including Tuscany, France’s Loire Valley and Provence, Nova Scotia and more.

Or… No E-Bikes

They say everything old is new again, and some travelers yearn to return to the days when there were no e-bikes. It turns out just as some e-bikers don’t want to ride with more “enthusiastic” cyclists, some traditional bikers feel the same way about sharing the trip with motorized assistance. Apparently, some Backroads customers let their feelings be known via the post trip customer surveys the company conducts. In response, founder, president and CEO Tom Hale announced a new series of “Unplugged” trips, using just mechanical bikes, and wrote, “E-bikes introduced a new kind of magic, and many new guests, to the world of Backroads and we continue to be grateful for that. At the same time, like you, we’ve become nostalgic for that old Backroads spirit and the camaraderie that comes from experiencing a ride with all its ups and downs, together, under our own power.”

Backroads has a huge catalog of active travel and does nothing in a small way, so more than 80 new Unplugged trips around the world were just announced for next year, with the first departure in California Wine Country in May, 2025.

DuVine's French Alps trip does a lot of climbing—with no e-bikes.

DuVine doesn’t make a separate category for it, but only offers e-bikes on its category 2 and 3 rides. The highest Category 4, or “Challenge,” is described as “Epic Feats for Serious Cyclists.” Those wishing to avoid e-bikes can choose from a coast-to-coast traverse of Italy, or extra tough climbs through Switzerland, the Dolomites, the Pyrenees and the French Alps. For example, the latter has an average daily ride of 55 miles with 8,734 feet of climbing. Enjoy!

Larry Olmsted

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

  • False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
  • Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
  • Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
  • Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

  • Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
  • Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
  • Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
  • Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

  • Stay on topic and share your insights
  • Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
  • ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
  • Protect your community.
  • Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Moscow Bike TOur

  • Page active

Image

Description

Highlights:.

  • Find adventure at every turn
  • Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
  • Enjoy the icons in style
  • Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
  • Expert commentary as you travel around the city
  • Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
  • Get an Endorphin Rush
  • Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

  • what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
  • names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
  • what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
  • how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
  • what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
  • what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
  • what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

  • where is hidden an island Moscow;
  • where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
  • why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
  • the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
  • the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
  • why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
  • where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
  • myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
  • story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
  • how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
  • what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
  • why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

  • where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
  • why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
  • why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
  • what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

  • the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
  • pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
  • the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
  • the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
  • English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
  • Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
  • the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

  • + A friend in Moscow
  • + Private & customized tour
  • + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
  • + An authentic experience of local life
  • + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
  • + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
  • + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
  • + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
  • + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

Write your review

Search

You must enable JavaScript to use foursquare.com

We use the latest and greatest technology available to provide the best possible web experience. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Download Foursquare for your smart phone and start exploring the world around you!

  • Los Angeles
  • Philadelphia
  • San Francisco
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Great Britain
  • Netherlands
  • Philippines

travel bike places

Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips

European Classic booking fast – see the trips

  • Request a Catalog
  • 866-464-8735

Select Date Range

Popular searches.

...

Denmark to Sweden Bike Tour

...

French and Italian Alps Hiking & Walking Tour

...

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour

...

Dolomites Hiking & Walking Tour

Self-Guided Bike Tours

Self-Guided Bike Tours

Explore favorite destinations at your pace on a self-guided bike tour. we handle hotels, itinerary, and suggestions; the rest is yours to enjoy..

World-class cycling your way. Ever wanted to take adventure into your own hands without worrying about the nuts and bolts of making it happen? Now you can do just that. Our self-guided bike tours combine the freedom to explore your favorite destinations your way with the best parts of any Trek Travel itinerary—curated routes and itinerary suggestions at your fingertips, world-class Trek bikes, and the best accommodations along the way. You just have to wake up and go. View Self-Guided Bike Tours Travel Info

Showing Trips

Destinations

Activity level, hotel level.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

IMAGES

  1. The 6 Best Places to Ride Your Bike Around Vacaville

    travel bike places

  2. Some Interesting reasons for Traveling By Bicycle:

    travel bike places

  3. Best 5 travel places for bike riders

    travel bike places

  4. Tips on How to Travel With Your Bike on an Adventure

    travel bike places

  5. Best Cycling Travel Destinations

    travel bike places

  6. Ladakh Bike Tour Package

    travel bike places

VIDEO

  1. travel

  2. Bike On highway 🤩🤩#travel #shortvideo #bikeshorts

  3. Don’t miss this place in yercaud

  4. Baradi ಬೆಟ್ಟ

  5. One day bike ride to Valpara

  6. Bike travel me a Kyaa Hogaya 🥹 #travelling #travel #youtubeshorts #shortsfeed #subscribe#nature 

COMMENTS

  1. The 15 Best Destinations in the U.S. to Explore by Bike

    Seattle, Washington. 400tmax /Getty. Seattle has gone to great lengths to build some of the best and most well-protected bike lanes in the U.S. This has made it one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the country, with locals and visitors taking advantage of the continually-expanding infrastructure.

  2. The 11 Best Bike Touring Destinations In The World (According To Long

    Check Out The 159 Best Bike Touring Destinations Infographic HERE. Related Posts. Bicycle Touring Infographic: 121 Cyclists + their Bikes, Trips and Websites ... Alee is a bike and travel addict who has cycled through 100+ countries and doesn't really have any plans of stopping. Along the way, he creates technical resources, in-depth reviews ...

  3. Cycling & Hiking Vacations of a Lifetime

    New Trips in 2025 Step into adventure with brand new hiking and cycling vacations View the trips Learn more New Trips Discover our new trips and find the perfect vacation to satisfy your wanderlust Trips for Every Traveler Whether you are looking for a leisurely vacation through the olive groves in Puglia, an unpaved adventure, or want to test your legs on the climbs of the Tour - we have a ...

  4. 18 Best Bike Trails in the U.S. Worthy of a Trip

    The route is loaded with jumps, dips and berms to keep riders in constant movement down the 1.3-mile course. Brakes and pedals hardly need to be used as bikers run laps on the wild ride, adding to ...

  5. 10 Best Bike Vacations in the US

    Insider Tip: The easiest way to get to Orcas Island is to bring your bike aboard the Washington State Ferry in Anacortes, located 1.5 hours north of Seattle. The fee for the 50-minute ferry ride ...

  6. 12 Most Incredible Cycling Destinations in the World

    There are many different ways to see the world: by plane, by car, by train, and by bus. But for intimate and up-close view of exciting new places, peddling your way around the world is an incredibly rewarding experience. Some travel destinations are best explored by bicycle to make the most of little-known local stops and panoramic views.

  7. All Tours

    Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world. Classic - Signature: Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

  8. Best cycling destinations in the US

    Discover the most scenic and challenging routes for cycling enthusiasts across the US with BikeRadar's guide.

  9. The Best Bike Vacations for Beginner Cyclists

    Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Travelers Rest is becoming a go-to place for cycling enthusiasts to visit (and to live). The Blue Ridge Mountains offer the perfect challenge for advanced bike ...

  10. Best US Bike Trips 2021

    6 days | 160-275 miles | $2,559 | Intermediate. Book Now! Lindsay Colburn/VBT. Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi, along the Natchez Trace Guided Tour with VBT.

  11. 10 best places for a cycling vacation in 2022

    Here are some of the best places to go on a cycling vacation in 2022. 1. Siena, Italy. In the cycling world, Siena is famous for the Strade Bianche, an early-season race that twists and turns over the surrounding region's hilly, white gravel roads, before arriving at the finish on the Piazza del Campo. Riding those same roads at an easier ...

  12. The 14 Best Bike Trails to Explore US Cities

    Fort Collins is widely regarded as one of the best cities for biking in America, with more than 285 miles of trails and a generally cycling-friendly culture. And after a quick spin on the Poudre ...

  13. 15 Best Cities for Cycling Around the World

    Seattle, Washington. Getty Images. The League of American Bicyclists recently named Washington the No. 3 state for cyclists in 2022, giving Seattle a "gold" ranking. The city earned an eight ...

  14. The Beginner's Guide To Start Bike Touring: How To Travel With A

    Here are some bikes that I would recommend if you're getting into bicycle touring: Ribble Gravel Ti - Ekar. Marin Four Corners 2021 . Cube Kathmandu Pro 2021. Trek 520. Trek 520 Grando. Ribble CGR SL (for bikepacking) Also Read: Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 For The Do-It-All Cyclist. How to select a bike destination for your cycling trip

  15. North America

    From the cycling tranquility found in the East to the rugged beauty of the West, our North America bike tours offer endless adventures. Create lasting memories with friends or family, relish in the stunning landscapes, and rejuvenate in beautiful accommodations on a North American bike tour. Whether you want to ride through wine country in ...

  16. Bike Tours USA

    Music. Make a pilgrimage to the dairy farm in the Catskills where the original Woodstock took place, travel to Graceland in Memphis, visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, take in a show at Red Rocks or attend an open mic night at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville—there are music experiences to suit every taste in the country that invented styles from bluegrass to the blues.

  17. The 10 Best Bike Towns in the U.S., Ranked

    Most Popular Bike Trail on Trailforks: The short Dirt Sample, a double-black downhill trail at the Highlands Bike Park, gets top honors for its bevy of wooden features like jumps, drops, and berms ...

  18. Best Cycling Tours & Vacations 2024/2025

    From pedalling through peaceful villages in Vietnam and Japan to cruising down epic, ever-changing landscapes in Jordan and Tanzania, our cycling tours allow you to really immerse yourself in a place and not just travel through it.Powered by nothing but your legs (and maybe a slice of biscotti and a couple of extra-strong cafés au lait), there's a nice simplicity to cycling as well as ...

  19. Better Bike Trips: 5 New Ways To Enjoy Active Cycling Vacations

    The top active travel tour specialists are not just adding new trips and new places to ride, the latest trend has been adding entirely new ways to do cycling vacations.

  20. Bike tour in Moscow through the most scenic places

    Moscow Bike Route #3. View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge - The Strelka Institute - The Muzeon Park - The Gorky Park - Neskuchny Garden - Sparrow Hills - The Luzhniki Stadium - Novodevichy Convent - The Arbat Street - The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior - The Bolotnaya Square.

  21. A fantastic experience!

    Moscow Bike Tours: A fantastic experience! - See 210 traveler reviews, 347 candid photos, and great deals for Moscow, Russia, at Tripadvisor.

  22. Bike tour in Moscow?

    Answer 1 of 10: We are in Moscow for another 3 days, would like to find a bike tour. Does anyone know if ther is such a tour, or if we can rent bikes somewhere for a couple of hours? Thanks all for replying!

  23. The 15 Best Places for Biking in Moscow

    The 15 Best Places for Biking in Moscow. Created by Foursquare Lists • Published On: March 6, 2022. ... Bike Rental · Гагаринский · 22 tips and reviews. Danila O: Great quality bike and service. Highly recommended. Daria Meshcheriakova: Best cycling rent and repair shop in Moscow. Very nice and friendly people.

  24. Self-Guided Bike Tours

    Our self-guided bike tours combine the freedom to explore your favorite destinations your way with the best parts of any Trek Travel itinerary—curated routes and itinerary suggestions at your fingertips, world-class Trek bikes, and the best accommodations along the way. You just have to wake up and go. View Self-Guided Bike Tours Travel Info.